The effects of moderate and vigorous exercise on desire to smoke, withdrawal symptoms and mood in abstaining young adult smokers

Previous research has reported reductions in desire to smoke and withdrawal symptoms following exercise. However, studies have thus far failed to consider whether vigorous intensity exercise can influence the potential for exercise to reduce cigarette cravings. The present study investigated the effects of short bouts of moderate and vigorous exercise on strength of desire to smoke, withdrawal symptoms and mood, relative to control, in temporarily abstinent young adult smokers. Following overnight abstinence from smoking, 45 regular smokers (aged 18-25 years, smoking 13.6 (±3.5) cigarettes per day) were assigned to 10 min of either (i) moderate intensity cycle ergometry (n = 15), (ii) vigorous intensity cycle ergometry (n = 15), or (iii) passive waiting (n = 15). A strength of desire to smoke item, the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale (MPSS) and Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale (SEES) were administered at baseline, 5 min during, 5 min after and 30 min after all conditions. Both moderate and vigorous intensity exercise were beneficial in alleviating the desire to smoke during and 5 min after exercise, relative to the control group, but only moderate intensity exercise appeared to reduce withdrawal symptoms and improve mood up to 5 min after exercise. No effects lasted for 30 min. Vigorous exercise was associated with adverse mood outcomes during exercise, but not afterwards. Thus, moderate intensity exercise may be generally preferential in reducing cravings and improving mood in abstaining smokers