Structured physical exercise for treating substance use disorders

Structured Physical Exercise in Short-term Inpatient Treatment of Substance Use Disorder: Implications for Abstinence, Quality of Life, Physical- and Mental Health

St. Olavs Hospital · NCT04141202

This study tests whether adding structured high-intensity exercise to treatment can help people in recovery from substance use disorders feel better physically and mentally.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSt. Olavs Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Trondheim)
Trial IDNCT04141202 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the effects of structured high-intensity physical exercise on the physical and mental health of patients undergoing a three-month residential treatment program for substance use disorders at St. Olav Hospital. By integrating exercise into the treatment regimen, the study aims to assess improvements in patients' quality of life post-treatment. The observational approach allows for the collection of data on the outcomes of this intervention within a real-world clinical setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals currently receiving inpatient treatment for substance use disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently in an inpatient treatment program may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery outcomes and overall well-being for patients with substance use disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the integration of exercise in addiction treatment is gaining attention, this specific approach is relatively novel and not extensively tested in similar settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being an inpatient at the clinic

Exclusion Criteria:

\-

Where this trial is running

Trondheim

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-Related Disorders, Drug Abuse, Drug Dependence, Exercise therapy, Exercise physiology

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.