Meta-analysis of the effects of exercise intervention on physical health in individuals undergoing compulsory isolation

Background Physical health is the basic indicator to evaluate the health of drug addicts after the process of drug rehabilitation. In order to better improve the deficiency degree of physical health of drug addicts, it is necessary to carry out a systematic review. Objective To explore the effects of exercise intervention on the physical health of individuals undergoing compulsory drug rehabilitation using Meta-Analysis, aiming to provide evidence-based support for improving their physical health. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2019 and December 2024, examining the impact of exercise intervention on the physical health of compulsory detoxification individuals, were retrieved from databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and VIP Chinese Journal Database. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. RevMan 5.4 software was employed for heterogeneity testing, effect size synthesis (using mean difference [MD] and 95% confidence interval [CI]), and generation of forest plots, funnel plots, and quality assessment diagrams. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate sensitivity and heterogeneity of the included studies. Results Exercise intervention effectively improved the physical health of compulsory drug rehabilitation individuals, particularly in physical fitness indicators: sit-and-reach test [MD = 3.92, 95%CI = (3.23, 4.62), P<0.001], single-leg standing with eyes closed [MD = 7.03, 95%CI = (6.05, 8.02), P<0.001], grip strength [MD = 1.23, 95%CI=(0.06, 2.39), P = 0.04], and choice reaction time [MD=-0.03, 95%CI=(-0.05, -0.01), P = 0.002]. Improvements in physical function were also observed; however, the increase in vital capacity [MD = 86.81, 95%CI=(-1.56, 175.17), P = 0.05] did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion This meta-analysis provides evidence that exercise intervention significantly improves specific physical health deficits—namely flexibility (sit-and-reach), balance (single-leg stance), muscular strength (grip strength), cardiopulmonary function (vital capacity), and sensorimotor coordination (choice reaction time)—in individuals undergoing compulsory rehabilitation. It is recommended to adopt a combination of aerobic and traditional fitness exercises, with at least 3 sessions per week, each lasting no less than 40 minutes, and a duration of over 12 weeks, providing scientific evidence for drug rehabilitation practices. These indicators were selected because they directly reflect the multisystem damage (muscular, neural, and cardiorespiratory) caused by chronic substance use. However, this study acknowledges the limitation that psychological and neurocognitive outcomes (e.g., cravings, mood, executive function), which are crucial in addiction treatment, were not included in the eligibility criteria and systematic analysis. The follow-up research will combine physical and psychological indicators to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the intervention effect of exercise on drug rehabilitation. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ , identifier CRD420251029820.