Impact of daily physical activity level on mental health and quality of life in substance use disorders patients

Background: Substance use disorders patients often exhibit low levels of physical activity. However, the daily level of physical activity appears to significantly impact the patient’s rehabilitation process. Methods: This study analyses the daily level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form) in a group of 125 patients undergoing rehabilitation, and its relationship with levels of mental health (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey). Additionally, gender differences in all measured variables were analyzed. Results: The results show a strong correlation between daily physical activity and levels of mental health (ρ>0.787), as well as a moderate correlation between physical activity levels and quality of life (ρ:0.406–0.586). Furthermore, when analyzing gender differences, women exhibited lower levels compared to men in physical activity (p < 0.001), mental health (p < 0.05), and different quality of life indicators (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the level of daily physical activity could influence the quality of life and mental health of patients during the rehabilitation process. Therefore, rehabilitation treatments should include strategies to increase patients’ daily physical activity levels. Furthermore, considering the gender disparities identified, additional studies are warranted in this field.