Exercise Training Characteristics and Psycho-Bio-Chemical Outcomes in Individuals with Addictive Behaviours: A Scoping Review

Addictive behaviours are associated with substantial neurobiological, psychological, and behavioural impairments. Exercise training has emerged as a potential complementary strategy in addiction treatment; however, the characteristics of exercise interventions and their associated outcomes remain insufficiently characterized. This scoping review (ScR) was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were conducted across three electronic databases for studies published between January 2015 and March 2025. Eligible studies investigated structured exercise training interventions in individuals with substance-related or behavioural addictions. Data were extracted regarding study characteristics, addiction type, exercise modality, FITT parameters, and neurobiological, biochemical, psychological, behavioural, and addiction-related outcomes. Five human intervention studies met the inclusion criteria, all addressing substance-related addictions, including alcohol use disorder, methamphetamine use disorder, and polysubstance dependence. Three studies evaluated acute exercise interventions, whereas two investigated structured exercise programmes lasting 8–12 weeks. Aerobic exercise was the most frequently investigated modality, although combined aerobic and resistance training, yoga, cycling, soccer-based exercise, circuit training, and functional exercise were also identified. Exercise intensity ranged from moderate to vigorous, with substantial variability in frequency, session duration, intervention period, and reporting of progression, supervision, and adherence. Reported outcomes included dopamine-related measures, mood, anxiety, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, affect, and craving. The available evidence suggests potentially relevant effects of exercise across neurobiological, psychological, and addiction-related domains, but the limited number and heterogeneity of studies preclude conclusions regarding the effectiveness of specific exercise prescriptions. The current evidence base on structured exercise training in addictive behaviours remains limited and heterogeneous and is restricted, among the eligible intervention studies identified, to substance-related addictions. Exercise may represent a promising complementary approach, but evidence is insufficient to establish optimal exercise modalities, FITT prescriptions, or sustained clinical benefits. Future research should prioritize adequately powered longitudinal randomized controlled trials, standardized reporting of exercise prescription and adherence, and comprehensive assessment of clinically relevant addiction-related outcomes.