Exercise trials reported better executive function in adults with drug addiction
A review of randomized trials found improvements in cognitive scores, including inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. The findings concern adults with drug addiction.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Exercise interventions improved overall executive function scores in the pooled trials, with improvements also reported in inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. These findings apply to adults with drug addiction. The measured outcomes were cognitive test results; the abstract does not show whether the changes improved addiction recovery or daily functioning.
4 trials were rated at high risk of bias. This abstract-based summary cannot assess the comparison conditions, lasting effects, or whether score changes were noticeable in everyday life.
What the outcomes cover
The review separated overall executive function from specific cognitive domains. Positive pooled findings were reported for each named domain, but score improvements should not be treated as evidence of reduced drug use or relapse.
Subgroups do not establish superiority
Some exercise formats, intensities, and schedules had statistically significant results in subgroup analyses. These findings do not establish that those options outperform alternatives or identify an optimal exercise plan for people with drug addiction.
The original publication
Effects of exercise on executive function in individuals with drug addiction: a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis.
Chen J, Wang X, Zhang X et al.
Front Sports Act Living · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41323873
- Record checked
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