Withdrawal Symptoms among Women Attempting to Quit Smoking Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Background: Cigarette cravings are one of the most often expressed difficulties related to quitting.The effect of acute exercise on craving and withdrawal symptoms during a pharmacological based smoking cessation intervention is unknown. Methods: Participants included female smokers (n = 178) undertaking the Getting Physical on Cigarettes trial — a 14-week exercise-aided nicotine replacement therapy (NRT, i.e. patch) cessation program. They completed the Shiffman-Jarvik scale immediately before and after the first scheduled exercise session during weeks 5, 11, and 13. The first exercise session (week 5) occurred shortly after participants quit smoking (week 4) and began their 21 mg NRT patch dose. The second and third exercise bout coincided soon after participants stepped down their NRT strength to 14 mg (week 11) and 7 mg (week 13), respectively. Results: Significant reductions in cigarette craving were demonstrated following exercise at all three time points (i.e. week 5, 11, an