Exercise Intervention as Treatment for People Using Cannabis (ExIT-C)

Sponsor
The University of Hong Kong
Study ID
NCT07091292
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Cannabis Abuse
  • Cannabis Dependence
  • Cannabis Use Disorder

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 40 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Indoor Cycling — BEHAVIORAL
    Indoor cycling at 60-70% HR reserve for 30 minutes.
  • Indoor Cycling — BEHAVIORAL
    Indoor cycling at 20-30% HR reserve for 30 minutes.

Study Details

In Hong Kong, although the total number of drug abusers is trending down in recent years, the number of cannabis users continues to surge. The misuse of cannabis, if left unattended, predisposes various degrees of dependence and use disorders, which could later on induce psychotic disorders and schizophrenia. Effective strategies combating cannabis dependence and cannabis use disorder (CUD) are therefore warranted. Exercise presents as a low-cost and low-stigma alternative to traditional pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy in the treatment of substance use disorders, which also promotes physical well-being with virtually no side effects. While exercise has some success in treating use disorders of stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco, evidence of its effects on CUD remains scarce. Hence, the present study will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of a 12-week aerobic exercise training regimen on reducing cannabis dependence and the severity of CUD. Participants with cannabis dependence will be randomly assigned to either the exercise or the control group. Participants assigned to the exercise group will partake in a 12-week aerobic exercise training program of vigorous-intensity using indoor bikes, whereas those assigned to the control group will perform sham exercise of very light-intensity on indoor bikes. The 12-week study is divided into three (3) 4-week phases: 1. Intensive Intervention - all participants will exercise twice a week under supervision. 2. Active Intervention - all participants will exercise once a week under supervision. 3. Passive Maintenance - no supervised exercise sessions will be provided. All participants will receive exercise reminders via weekly text messages. Cannabis use-related, cognitive, and physical outcomes will be assessed every 4 weeks, whereas withdrawal symptoms will be assessed and urine quick test administered every week.

Key Dates

First listed
Jul 29, 2025
Start date
Jul 2, 2025
Status verified
Apr 2025
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2028
Completion
Dec 31, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment
60 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Exercise Intervention Treatment (ExIT) Group
  • Sham Comparator: Sham-exercise Control (SCN) Group

Primary Outcome Measure

Clinical Diagnosis of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) [ Time Frame: At enrollment and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after enrollment ]

Central Contacts

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