Actively Recruiting
Exercise Intervention as Treatment for People Using Cannabis (ExIT-C) - A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate Aerobic Exercise Effects on Cannabis Dependence and Use Disorder
Led by The University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2025-07-29
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Cannabis misuse is increasing in Hong Kong despite an overall decline in drug abuse, leading to concerns about dependence, use disorders, and potential development of psychotic disorders and schizophrenia. Researchers are evaluating whether a 12-week aerobic exercise program can reduce cannabis dependence and the severity of cannabis use disorder (CUD) as a low-cost, low-stigma alternative to traditional treatments. This randomized controlled trial is sponsored by The University of Hong Kong and aims to provide evidence on exercise as a treatment option for people with cannabis dependence. Participants with cannabis dependence will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an exercise group or a control group. The exercise group will engage in vigorous-intensity indoor cycling at 60-70% heart rate reserve for 30 minutes, while the control group will perform very light-intensity indoor cycling at 20-30% heart rate reserve for 30 minutes. The 12-week study is divided into three phases: an intensive intervention phase with supervised exercise twice a week for 4 weeks, an active intervention phase with supervised exercise once a week for 4 weeks, and a passive maintenance phase with no supervised sessions but weekly exercise reminders. Participants will undergo regular assessments of cannabis use, withdrawal symptoms, cognitive function, and physical health throughout the study. Cannabis use disorder diagnosis and psychological dependence will be measured at enrollment and every 4 weeks. Urine tests and withdrawal symptoms will be checked weekly. Other outcomes include cannabis craving, cannabis-related problems, self-efficacy in reducing use, cognitive and psychomotor function, body measurements, cardiopulmonary capacity, energy expenditure, and physical activity participation. The study will monitor these outcomes closely over the 12-week period to evaluate the effects of the exercise intervention.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Exercise Intervention as Treatment for People Using Cannabis (ExIT-C)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Young adults aged 18 to 40 years
- Able to read and communicate in English or Chinese
- Able to provide informed consent
- Using cannabis or marijuana as the primary psychoactive substance
- Diagnosed with cannabis addiction by one of the following: Cannabis Dependence with SDS score 3, Cannabis Use Disorder by DSM-5, or Cannabis Harmful Use or Dependence by ICD-10 or ICD-11 criteria
You will not qualify if you...
- Under 18 or over 40 years old
- Unable to read English or Chinese
- Unable to provide informed consent
- Contraindications to exercise as indicated by PAR-Q+ or ePARmed-X+
- Diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and motor disorders
- Having other substance use disorders greater than mild severity (except tobacco or caffeine)
- Diagnosed with neurocognitive disorders by DSM-5 or ICD-11
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants engage in indoor cycling exercise sessions at varying intensities as part of the behavioral intervention aimed at cannabis dependence and use disorder.
Weekly visits for up to 12 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Queen Mary Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Albert KK Chung, MBBS(HK)
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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