title: Resistance training as an aid to standard smoking cessation treatment: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research indicates that exercise may be helpful for smoking cessation; however, the majority of studies have focused only on women and only on aerobic exercise. This pilot study explored the use of resistance training (RT) (i.e., weight lifting) as an adjunctive strategy for quitting smoking for both men and women.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 25 smokers received a brief smoking cessation counseling session and the nicotine patch prior to being randomized into a 12-week RT or contact control (CC) group. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3-month, and at a 6-month follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants (52% female) averaged 36.5 years (SD = 12.0) of age and 19.1 years (SD = 12.0) of smoking. At the 3-month assessment, objectively verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA) rates were 46% for the RT group and 17% for CC; prolonged abstinence rates were 16% and 8%, respectively. At the 6-month assessment, objectively verified 7-day PPA rates were 38% for the RT group and 17% for CC; prolonged abstinence rates were 15% and 8%, respectively. Mean body weight decreased 0.6 kg (SD = 1.7) in the RT group and increased 0.6 kg (SD = 2.8) in the CC group. Mean body fat decreased 0.5% (SD = 1.8) in the RT group and increased 0.6% (SD = 0.7) in the CC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first study reporting on the use of a RT program as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. The findings suggest that such a program is feasible as an adjunctive treatment for smoking cessation. An adequately powered trial is warranted.
authors.affiliation: The Miriam Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA. joseph_ciccolo@brown.edu
authors.forename: Joseph T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Ciccolo
authors.forename: Shira I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Dunsiger
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: John B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Bartholomew
authors.forename: Ernestine G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Jennings
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Ussher
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Kraemer
authors.forename: Bess H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Marcus
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine; D010865:Pilot Projects; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D014891:Weight Lifting; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D009538:Nicotine