Author: Ling Zhang1, Haiqi Zeng1, Yuliang Sun1, Huiheng Xue1, Liquan Gao1, Wenfei Zhu1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
Conference/Journal: Healthcare (Basel)
Date published: 2024 Aug 20
Other:
Volume ID: 12 , Issue ID: 16 , Pages: 1653 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/healthcare12161653. , Word Count: 202
Background:
Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a global health problem. Studies have shown Tai Chi is a potential treatment for MUD. We aimed to explore the effectiveness of Tai Chi in improving drug cravings, attention bias, and physical fitness in men with MUD compared with aerobic exercise.
Methods:
A total of forty-eight participants (mean age 39.1 ± 8.7 years) were randomly assigned to either the Tai Chi group (TC) or the running group (RG). The TC performed 60 min of moderate-intensity (65-75% HRmax) Tai Chi exercise three times a week. The RG performed 60 min of moderate-intensity (65-75% HRmax) running on a treadmill three times a week. Before and after the intervention, drug cravings, attention bias, and physical fitness were evaluated.
Results:
After 12 weeks, we found the TC significantly improved in attention bias (F (1, 43) = 6.023, p = 0.019, d = -0.42) and reaction time (F (1, 43) = 6.181, p = 0.017, d = -0.72). No significant improvement was found in other variables in the TC, compared to the RG (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
The 12-week Tai Chi intervention improved attention bias and reaction time, compared to RG. Tai Chi exercise might be a potential auxiliary method for the rehabilitation for men with MUD.
Keywords: Tai Chi; attention bias; methamphetamine use disorder; physical fitness.
PMID: 39201211 PMCID: PMC11353623 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12161653