The effects of acute exercise on cognitive functioning and cigarette cravings during temporary abstinence from smoking.
BACKGROUND
Abstinence from smoking is associated with increased cravings, risk of accidents and self-reported poor concentration. A single exercise session can reduce cravings and self-reported poor concentration and can enhance cognitive performance among non-smokers.


OBJECTIVE
To assess whether acute exercise impacts on the cognitive performance and cravings of abstaining smokers.


METHODS
In a counterbalanced cross-over design, participants (n = 23) did a 15 min passive or exercise condition, following cigarette abstinence. Cognitive functioning was measured by a computerised version of the Stroop colour-word interference task. Cravings were measured using the 10-item, 2-factor QSU-Brief and a single item for 'desire to smoke'. Measures were recorded at baseline, immediately post, 5, 10 and 15-min post treatment.


RESULTS
A 2-way ANOVA showed no significant condition x time interaction for cognitive functioning. Significant interaction effects were found for desire to smoke, QSU Factor 1 (desire-behave) and 2 (desire-affect). Exercise reduced cravings for up to 15 min post treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings support previous research that acute exercise reduces cravings to smoke. Future research should determine if exercise can enhance other objective aspects of cognitive performance, and repeat the present study with a more homogeneous sample, in terms of Stroop performance.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to show that exercise can reduce both factors of the QSU-Brief, but effects on cognitive functioning were not observed.
Janse Van Rensburg
Kate
K
School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, UK. kj214@exeter.ac.uk
Taylor
Adrian H
AH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003118:Color Perception; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016138:Walking