Exercise-induced brain changes in cannabis use disorder: a longitudinal MRI study of a 12-week supervised HIIT...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Addiction Research
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is characterized by high relapse rates and associated with structural brain alterations.
• Restoring these brain alterations is crucial for effective CUD treatment.
• Physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, shows potential for promoting neuroplasticity and structural brain changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention on brain structure in individuals with CUD.
• To determine if HIIT can induce neuroplastic changes in white matter and cortical thickness without requiring abstinence.
• To compare the effects of HIIT with a strength and resistance training (S&R) control group.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial involving 59 individuals with CUD.
• Participants were assigned to either 12 weeks of HIIT (3x/week, 45 min, aiming for 80% max heart rate) or S&R training.
• Brain structural organization (fractional anisotropy and cortical thickness) was assessed using MRI before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• The HIIT group demonstrated significant increases in fractional anisotropy (FA) in the left uncinate fasciculus and cortical thickness in the right inferior frontal gyrus.
• These exercise-induced structural changes correlated with the duration of time spent with heart rates above 80% of maximum and above the lactate threshold.
• No abstinence was required during the intervention.

Conclusions:

• A 12-week HIIT program can enhance brain plasticity in individuals with CUD.
• HIIT represents a promising non-abstinence-based intervention for mitigating structural brain alterations associated with CUD.
• Exercise intensity, particularly time spent at higher heart rates, appears to be a key factor in driving these neuroplastic changes.