Brief exercise bouts help smokers trying to quit
Friday, 04 Apr 2008 09:19
Brief bouts of exercise could help smokers quit, research finds
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People trying to give up smoking may be more successful if they do brief bouts of exercise, new research suggests.
Scientists at the universities of Toronto and Exeter found that such exercise can reduce cravings for tobacco.
The findings were presented at the British Psychological Society annual conference.
The researchers studied smokers experiencing withdrawal symptoms and the intensity of their cravings.
Cravings were reduced after a bout of exercise such as walking or running.
The study suggests smokers experiencing withdrawal possibly react differently to a bout of exercise in comparison to non smokers.
Exercise of all intensities was found to have an effect on levels of craving and so the scientists claim it is not the case that only people who are already physically fit will be able to benefit.
They say all smokers could help calm cravings for a cigarette by simply taking regular brisk walks whenever they feel the urge to smoke.
"To maximise chances of success when trying to give up smoking it is necessary to ensure that you are psychologically ready for quitting, and have a plan in place for dealing with the cravings that will follow," said researcher Filippe Scerbo.
"This research indicates a role for physical activity in coping with cravings.
"Provided people wish to stop smoking, bouts of exercise, from a brisk walk to a sprint, make for a useful addition to their own anti-smoking regimes. Additionally, going for a walk is free and has endless health benefits that extend well beyond its ability to help curb cravings."