Abstract:

Objective To examine the interventions and health benefits of aerobic exercise for substance abusers using International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision (ICD-11) and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.
Methods The PICO framework was developed and randomized controlled trials were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CNKI dated from the inception of the databases to April, 2023. Then a systematic review was conducted.
Results Seven randomized controlled trials involving 498 participants from three countries were included. The studies were mainly published in international journals such as International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, Psychiatry Research, Mental Health and Physical Activity, BMC Sports Science, and Medicine and Rehabilitation, and covered the period from 2010 to 2022. The substance abusers in the included studies were classified into seven categories of mental and behavioral disorders, including methamphetamine dependence, cocaine dependence, cannabis dependence, opioid dependence, sedative dependence, heroin dependence, and ketamine dependence. Aerobic exercise activities included running, cycling, Tai Chi, Qigong, yoga, jumping rope, climbing, etc., with a frequency of 20 to 60 minutes per session, one to ten times per week. The activity intensity was mainly concentrated in moderate to high intensity, and the duration ranged from 12 to 48 weeks. The health outcomes were evaluated in six aspects: physical motor function, cognitive function, emotional functioning, medication cravings, physical fitness, and overall function and quality of life.
Conclusion Based on ICD-11 and ICF, a theoretical framework was constructed to evaluate the health effects of aerobic exercise for substance abusers. Aerobic exercise could improve flexibility and balance, grip strength, vertical jump height, and sit and reach distance, as well as enhance physical fitness, strength, flexibility, speed and agility in substance abusers' physical function. In terms of cognitive function, aerobic exercise could help to improve working memory, attention and executive function, as well as cognitive and neurological functions. Aerobic exercise rehabilitation could also improve psychological health, such as anxiety, depression and fatigue, and increase the ability to resist substance dependence in substance abusers. In addition, aerobic exercise rehabilitation could improve physical fitness, such as body mass, blood pressure and blood lipid levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other diseases. It could also improve overall social function, increase social adaptability and quality of life, and reduce the risk of substance abuse relapse in substance abusers.

Key words: International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, substance use disorders, aerobic exercise, rehabilitation, systematic review