YMCA commit to quit: randomized trial outcomes.
BACKGROUND
Vigorous-intensity exercise has been shown to aid in smoking cessation, especially among women. In a previous trial, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for smoking cessation plus regular vigorous aerobic exercise enhanced cessation rates, improved exercise capacity, and reduced weight gain compared to CBT plus equal contact time.


OBJECTIVE
This study examined the effectiveness of this program adapted for and implemented in the YMCAs.


METHODS
An RCT comparing CBT + Exercise (Exercise) to CBT + Contact Control (Control).


METHODS
Apparently healthy female smokers were recruited to four local YMCAs.


METHODS
YMCA staff members were trained to lead the manualized CBT smoking-cessation intervention and a standardized YMCA exercise program.


METHODS
Seven-day point prevalence and continuous abstinence.


RESULTS
Participants (330 women, mean age=44 years) were randomized to the Exercise (n=166) or Control (n=164) group. Results revealed no differences in 7-day point prevalence (29.5% vs 29.9%) nor continuous abstinence (13.9% vs 14.0%) between the Exercise and Control groups, respectively, at end of treatment or at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. An examination of the relationship between exercise dose and quit status at end of treatment revealed that over 12 weeks, the odds of being quit (7-day point prevalence) grew by 4.5% for each additional aerobic exercise session (OR=1.05, 95% CI=1.01, 1.08) and by 7.7% for each additional resistance training session (OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.02, 1.14). Analyses were conducted between August 19, 2010, and December 16, 2011.


CONCLUSIONS
No differences were seen between groups in smoking outcomes. The association between greater exercise participation and higher odds of quitting within the exercise condition suggests that the lack of between-group differences might be a result of poor compliance with the exercise program.


BACKGROUND
This study is registered at clinicaltrials.govNCT01615380.
Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA. Jessica.Whiteley@umb.edu
Jessica A
JA
Whiteley
David M
DM
Williams
Shira
S
Dunsiger
Ernestine G
EG
Jennings
Joseph T
JT
Ciccolo
Beth C
BC
Bock
Anna
A
Albrecht
Alfred
A
Parisi
Sarah E
SE
Linke
Bess H
BH
Marcus
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015444:Exercise; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D015995:Prevalence; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods; D012907:Smoking / Q000628:therapy*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain