Neuroendocrine Effects of Short-Bout Aerobic Exercises in Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Quasi-experimental Study

Background Half of the chronic alcoholic population usually relapses after extensive treatment in de-addiction centers. This craving is due to the reduced release of hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal, and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axes. Exercise has a positive influence on some of these neuroendocrine axes, releasing corticotrophin, cortisol, oxytocin, and vasopressin. Thus, there is a need to study the additional benefits of exercises during de-addiction programs on craving and anxiety in acute alcohol-de-addicted individuals. This study aims to compare blood levels of oxytocin, cortisol, and vasopressin and relate these factors' influence on craving and anxiety in individuals performing short-bout aerobics regularly and those not performing any type of exercise in an alcohol de-addiction center. Methodology In this quasi-experimental study, 76 individuals from an alcohol de-addiction center were selected and divided into two equal groups using systematic random sampling after obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. The experimental group was treated with two sessions of aerobic exercises each day for five days a week. One session consisted of five repetitions of cycling, and the other session consisted of five repetitions of fast walking on a computerized treadmill. In both sessions, two minutes of workout were followed by three minutes of rest. The control group was not given any exercise protocol but was treated with de-addiction medications and advised regular counseling with a psychiatrist similar to the experimental group. The treatment was given for one month. Blood levels of oxytocin, cortisol, and vasopressin were collected before and after intervention in both groups. Anxiety levels and alcohol cravings were measured in both groups using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Penn Alcohol Craving Scale, respectively, before starting the treatment and after one month of treatment. Based on the normality test status, non-parametric statistical tests were used for analyzing data related to oxytocin, cortisol, and vasopressin levels. Anxiety and craving levels were analyzed using parametric statistical tests. Results An extremely significant difference was noted (p < 0.001) before and after treatment in both groups. Individuals in the experimental group treated with short-bout exercises significantly improved their blood levels of oxytocin, cortisol, and vasopressin when compared to the control group. The same levels of improvement were observed for craving and anxiety when compared to the control group. Conclusions Short-bout aerobic exercises showed better results in treating alcohol craving and anxiety in individuals with alcohol use disorder admitted to a de-addiction center. These positive effects may be related to the influence of short-bout aerobic exercises on neuroendocrine effects, which regulate the blood levels of oxytocin, cortisol, and vasopressin.