Physical Activity and Quality of Life among Substance Use Disorder Patients – An Observational Pilot study

Abstract

<p>Introduction: Substance abuse is a global health concern that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Regular and sufficient physical activity (PA) has proven to have a positive effect on key elements in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. The aim of this study was to examine participation in PA and the association of PA with health-related physical fitness, and quality of life (QoL) among users undergoing SUD treatment. <p>Method: The subjects (n = 7) were men aged 26-40 years, all undergoing SUD treatment. The protocol included the use of the SIMPAQ questionnaire for observing time spent in PA and type of activity during a follow-up of six weeks. Health-related physical fitness was measured using the single-leg balance test, sit-to-stand, stair climb test, and 6MWT, before and after follow- up. The SF-36 and HSCL-25 questionnaires were used to assessing the development in quality of life during a period of six weeks. PA levels and patterns, and development in physical fitness and quality of life over a 6-week follow-up period were described. Preliminary correlation analyses were used to indicate the association of PA measures with health-related physical fitness and quality of life. <p>Result: Time spent on PA per week was significantly associated with the positive development in four out of ten subscales associated with QoL: Physical functioning (p = 0.04), limitations due to physical health (p = 0.04), emotional well-being (p = 0.02), and depression (p = 0.03). <p>Conclusion: During a 6-week follow-up period, all subjects spent a considerable amount of time on PA. At group level, this resulted in signs of improved levels of health-related fitness and improvement in four out of ten subscales associated with QoL. This study suggests walking and several other forms of PA could assist in the development of QoL among this user group.