Running between smokers helps reduce cigarette consumption. In Canada, a smoking cessation assistance program offers cessation through sport.
FOOTING IN GROUP TO STOP SMOKING!
Smoking or running, you must not choose anymore. In Canada, a stop smoking program offers weaning through sport. More particularly by jogging. And this strategy pays, according to a study published in Mental Health and Physical Activity. Conducted by the University of British Columbia (Canada), it shows that these sports clubs have reduced the number of cigarettes smoked.
For 10 weeks, 168 Canadians ran together against smoking. Their support: Run to Quit, a program that specifically addresses this population. On the program, a training to run by professionals. But these are of a particular kind. They have also been trained to help stop smoking.
During the sessions, the coaches alternated technical advice and weaning support. Once this theoretical phase, a run of 5 km was organized. Thanks to their registration, the volunteers also benefited from a hotline permanently.
72 participants held on to the end of the program. A first success. Better: half of them also quit smoking. A success confirmed by a carbon monoxide test, carried out by the sports coaches.
« This shows us that physical activity can be an effective way to quit smoking, and that a community program can do it, enthuses Carly Priebe, lead author of the study. Doing it on its own is very difficult. »
The other good news is that this community club brings benefits to everyone. Among those who have failed to quit completely, the number of cigarettes smoked drops dramatically. 90% succeeded in reducing their consumption. On average, the concentration of carbon monoxide in the breath of amateur runners has fallen by a third.
« Even if everyone has not been able to stop completely, reducing their consumption is already a success, recognize Carly Priebe. Most members of our study had never run before. But continuity must be assured. Stopping the program means resuming tobacco for some. 6 months after the end of training, only 20% of participants were still non-smokers.
