Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-24 @ 3:49 PM
Ignite Modification Date:
2026-01-02 @ 3:44 AM
Study NCT ID:
NCT07091292
Status:
RECRUITING
Last Update Posted:
2025-07-29
First Post:
2025-07-07
Is NOT Gene Therapy:
True
Has Adverse Events:
False
Brief Title:
Exercise Intervention as Treatment for People Using Cannabis (ExIT-C)
Sponsor:
The University of Hong Kong
Organization:
Study Overview
Official Title:
Exercise Intervention as Treatment for People Using Cannabis (ExIT-C)-a Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effectiveness of Aerobic Exercise on Cannabis Dependence and Use Disorder
Status:
RECRUITING
Status Verified Date:
2025-04
Last Known Status:
None
Delayed Posting:
No
If Stopped, Why?:
Not Stopped
Has Expanded Access:
False
If Expanded Access, NCT#:
N/A
Has Expanded Access, NCT# Status:
N/A
Acronym:
ExIT-C
Brief Summary:
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.
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.
Detailed Description:
None
Study Oversight
Has Oversight DMC:
False
Is a FDA Regulated Drug?:
False
Is a FDA Regulated Device?:
False
Is an Unapproved Device?:
None
Is a PPSD?:
None
Is a US Export?:
None
Is an FDA AA801 Violation?: