Aerobic exercise to improve cognitive function in patients with substance use disorder

Aerobic Exercise for Cognitive Functioning in Patients With Substance Use Disorder: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · St. Olavs Hospital · NCT05324085

This study tests if adding high-intensity exercise to treatment can help people with substance use disorder think better and stick to their recovery plan.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSt. Olavs Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Trondheim, Trøndelag)
Trial IDNCT05324085 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cognitive functioning in patients diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) who are undergoing residential inpatient treatment. The focus is on enhancing executive functions, which are critical for treatment outcomes, including decision-making and impulse control. By integrating aerobic exercise into the treatment regimen, the study aims to determine if improvements in cognitive function can lead to better therapy attendance and reduced relapse rates. The intervention is designed to be cost-effective and accessible for patients in treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder who are currently in residential inpatient treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who have recently participated in regular aerobic high-intensity interval training or have certain medical conditions that limit exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance cognitive functioning in patients with substance use disorder, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging evidence supporting the benefits of exercise on cognitive function in various populations, this specific approach in SUD patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed substance use disorder (SUD) by ICD-10
* Being in residential inpatient treatment for SUD at Lade Addiction Treatment Center

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recent participation in regular aerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
* Admissions shorter than 12 weeks
* Pregnant
* History of brain injury (except concussions)
* Any acute or chronic somatic or psychiatric condition (e.g. heart disease or psychosis) or a medication that would limit the ability to participate in the exercise training and testing procedures, or any of the other assessments.

Where this trial is running

Trondheim, Trøndelag

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Substance Abuse, Cognitive Dysfunction, Exercise therapy, High-intensity interval training

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.