Purpose/Hypothesis: This study examined the effects of resistance training (RT) on smoking behavior and self-efficacy. It was hypothesized that participation in a RT program would decrease withdrawal symptoms, improve self-efficacy of smoker attempting to quit, and decrease smoking behavior. Subjects: 40 subjects were randomized into either an exercise or control group. Materials/Methods: Exercise group subjects completed an eight-week progressive supervised RT program formalized via baseline strength testing. Control group subjects received smoking cessation self-help materials. All subjects completed the Smoking Abstinence Self Efficacy (SASE) survey and the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale (MPSS) every two weeks and weekly smoking behavior was gathered. Results: Exercise subjects presented with decreased smoking behavior compared to control and decreased withdrawal symptoms compared to control as well as increased self-efficacy compared to control. Significance was found with self-efficacy results. Discussion: RT reduced withdrawal symptoms and smoking behavior and significantly improved smoking abstinence self-efficacy. Large SD in smoking behavior results likely due to lack of control for smoking levels at study entry. This provides evidence to support utilization of RT to assist efforts to overcome barriers associated with quitting smoking. Clinical Relevance: Cigarette smoking is prevalent with 40 million Americans smoking and one in five deaths attributed to this behavior. Studies of aerobic exercise as an intervention for smoking cessation are well documented, with sprase research examining effects of RT. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of RT as an aid for smokers attempting to quit.
