Higher-intensity exercise improved selected symptom scores in men undergoing methamphetamine rehabilitation
A randomized trial found better depression, compulsive-symptom, and craving scores with moderate-to-vigorous exercise, while several other psychological outcomes showed no significant interaction effects.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Among male rehabilitation inpatients, the higher-intensity exercise group had better scores for depression, compulsive symptoms, and methamphetamine craving than the lower-intensity group. Several other psychological measures did not show significant differences in change over time. These results concern selected symptom scores during inpatient rehabilitation, rather than evidence of reduced relapse after discharge.
The abstract does not report absolute score changes, confidence intervals, or post-discharge outcomes. Its findings apply to male inpatients and do not establish comparable effects in other populations or settings.
The comparison was between exercise programs
Both groups received exercise, so the trial asked about differences between intensity levels within rehabilitation. Psychological symptoms were assessed by questionnaire, while craving was assessed using a virtual reality addiction assessment system.
The response was selective
Anxiety, hostility, paranoia, phobia, and other measured domains did not show significant group-by-time interactions. This limits a claim of broad psychological improvement, although a nonsignificant interaction does not prove that the programs were equivalent.
The original publication
Psychological Effects of 12 Weeks of Moderate-to-Vigorous Exercise on Men With Methamphetamine Use Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Tang Z, Zhu Z, Ma X et al.
Subst Use Addctn J · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 40792397
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.