The authors analysed 14 studies looking at the effects of a single session of exercise (vs a passive condition) on cigarette cravings, withdrawal symptoms and smoking behaviour. Participants refrained from smoking during exercise in all but 1 study. Exercise induced a rapid reduction in cigarette cravings, withdrawal symptoms and negative affect, which was maintained for up to 50 minutes. The mean reduction in ‘strength of desire to smoke’ was 1.1 (SD 0.9) at 10 minutes post-exercise. The reduction in cravings and withdrawal symptoms was observed at different exercise intensities, from as high as 60–85% heart rate reserve (HRR) (lasting 30–40 minutes) to as low as 24% HRR (lasting 15 minutes), and also with isometric exercise (for 5 minutes). The authors noted that distraction was probably not the primary reason for the effects.
