Physical exercise as a supplement to outpatient treatment of alcohol use disorders

Title

Physical exercise as a supplement to outpatient treatment of alcohol use disorders - a randomized controlled trial

Name

Sengül Sari

Abstract

Background:
Alcohol use disorder is a widespread problem with severe impacts on health and quality of life of each individual.

Objectives:
Purpose of the present study is to evaluate training effects in groups versus individual based training in relation to alcohol intake.

Methods: A three armed randomized controlled trial: (a) Treatment as usual (TAU), (b) TAU and supervised physical exercise in groups, or (c) TAU and physical exercise on individual basis – a training program was provided to each individual runner. The patient-reported health status, anxiety, depression and alcohol consumption will be held together with results of the fitness testing (VO2max) at baseline, after six and twelve months.

Perspectives: The study will investigate if exercise as a supplement to traditionalalcohol treatment has an effect on the participants’ alcohol intake, fitness and well-being and give further recommendations for the implementation of physical activity in the treatment of alcohol us disorder patients.

Keywords

Physical activity, alcohol use disorder, VO2max, mental health

Start date and expected end date

01.07.2013 - 30.06.2017

Main supervisor

Professor Kirsten K. Roessler

Co-supervisors

Dr. Randi Bilberg, Clinical Institute, SDU

Collaborators

Department of Psychology and Department of Sports Science

Funding

Lundbeck Foundation & Tryg Foundation