There is strong evidence that physical activity acutely reduces cigarette craving
AIMS To conduct an up date d systematic review and the first meta- analysis of experimental trials investigating the acute effects of short bouts of physical activity ( PA ) on strength of desire ( SoD ) and desire to smoke ( DtS ) using individual participant data ( IPD ) .
Walking reduces cue-elicited cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and delays ad libitum smoking.
Stress and exposure to smoking cues influence smoking cravings and behavior .  Exercise appears to reduce cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms , but no study has investigated the effects of exercise on cue-elicited cravings and withdrawal symptoms , or ad libitum smoking behavior . In this study , 60 regular smokers , invited by public advertisements , were assessed at baseline following 2 hr of abstinence  , and r and omized to a 15-min brisk walk or passive condition . Both groups then completed three tasks ( Stroop color-word interference task , speech task , and h and ling a lit cigarette ) . Cravings were assessed with two single items , and withdrawal symptoms were assessed using the seven-item Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale . After the laboratory session , ad libitum smoking was determined from the subject 's cell phone text message . Exercise ( mean heart rate reserve = 24 % ) attenuated increases in strength of desire to smoke , tension , poor concentration , and stress , in response to a lit cigarette , but had minimal effects on increases in cravings and withdrawal symptoms in response to the stressors . Absolute levels of cravings and withdrawal symptoms were reduced during and following exercise . Exercisers engaged in ad libitum smoking a net 57 min ( CI = 31 - 83 ) later than those in the passive condition . A 15-min brisk walk not only reduced cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms but also could attenuate increases in cue-elicited cravings and withdrawal symptoms , and increase the time between cigarettes smoked
There is strong evidence that physical activity acutely reduces cigarette craving
AIMS To conduct an up date d systematic review and the first meta- analysis of experimental trials investigating the acute effects of short bouts of physical activity ( PA ) on strength of desire ( SoD ) and desire to smoke ( DtS ) using individual participant data ( IPD ) .