Impact of Exercise Associated With Cognitive-behavioral Therapy in Smokers: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Smoking remains one of the leading causes of global morbidity and mortality, responsible for more than 8 million deaths annually, according to data from the World Health Organization. In addition to its physical effects, such as cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, tobacco use also negatively impacts mental health and quality of life (QoL). Despite public health measures, its prevalence remains high, especially among vulnerable groups, requiring integrated approaches that address both the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of combining physical exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on smoking cessation. Specifically, it seeks to assess the effectiveness of a structured exercise program in promoting abstinence, improving physical and mental health, and reducing cigarette consumption, as well as analyzing the impacts on fatigue, lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life of participants over a 12-week intervention.

Methodologically, a randomized clinical trial will be conducted with 66 smokers recruited from the Piquet Carneiro Polyclinic of the Rio de Janeiro State University. Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups: CBT alone, CBT combined with structured exercises, and a control group with general health counseling. Assessments will include spirometry, impulse oscillometry, the FACIT-Fatigue scale, the Fagerström test, a cardiopulmonary exercise test, and the SF-36 questionnaire, administered at three time points: baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

The combination of exercise and CBT is expected to significantly increase abstinence rates, promoting improvements in physical and mental health parameters, reduced cigarette consumption, increased exercise capacity, improved lung function, and decreased fatigue. Furthermore, a reduction in anxiety and depression levels is expected, reflecting the effectiveness of behavioral strategies in modulating the psychological factors associated with smoking.

This study is highly relevant to Rehabilitation Sciences, as it proposes an integrated intervention that can support the development of more effective and holistic public health programs aligned with national targets and the Sustainable Development Goals. By exploring the interface between physical activity, mental health, and smoking cessation, it contributes to the training of more qualified health professionals and the advancement of patient-centered rehabilitation strategies, promoting sustainable benefits to public health.