Changes in health-related quality of life following an exercise intervention for alcohol use disorder: Secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial (FitForChange)

Abstract

Objective

To estimate the effects of aerobic exercise, yoga and usual treatment on health-related quality of life in people with alcohol use disorder.

Methods

Secondary analysis from the FitForChange randomized controlled trial investigating effects of exercise on alcohol use in non-treatment seeking adults 18–75 years with alcohol use disorder. Participants were randomized using a parallel, three-group, open-label design (1:1:1), with blinded follow-up assessment. Treatments included 12 weeks of either usual care (telephone counselling), aerobic exercise, or yoga. The secondary outcome of interest was health-related quality of life (12-Item Short-Form Health Survey) at baseline and 12-week follow-up. Primary analyses consisted of intention-to-treat mixed linear models.

Results

In total, 140 participants (53.7 ± 11.8 years, 98 women) were recruited. Follow-up was completed for 43/45 participants randomized to TAU, 42/49 to aerobic exercise and 42/46 to yoga. There were time x group interactions for both aerobic exercise and yoga groups (aerobic exercise: baseline: 39.9; 95 %CI: 37.9 – 41.9, follow-up: 47.8; 45.6 – 50.0. Yoga: baseline 40.1; 38.1 – 42.2; follow-up: 47.7; 45.5 – 49.9) for the mental component of health-related quality of life, indicating a higher increase compared with the usual treatment group (baseline: 40.2; 38.1 – 42.3, follow-up: 43.2; 41.0 – 45.3). Item analyses revealed beneficial effects of exercise on physical function, general health, and energy/fatigue.

Conclusions

Both aerobic exercise and yoga were effective in increasing mental health-related quality of life among people living with alcohol use disorders.