The effectiveness of yoga on cognitive functions, physical fitness and cravings in female addicts undergoing abstinence treatment

Ahmadi, Azra; Karimipoor Barkosaraee, Hadiseh; Rajabpour, Mojtaba

doi:10.22089/rws.2025.17604.1050

The effectiveness of yoga on cognitive functions, physical fitness and cravings in female addicts undergoing abstinence treatment

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Semnan, Semnan Islamic Azad University, Faculty of Humanities, Department of Physical Education

² General Psychology, Semnan Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Semnan branch, Iran

10.22089/rws.2025.17604.1050

Abstract

Drug addiction and abuse are considered one of the major problems in the world leading to the collapse of the family and social system; therefore, paying attention to this segment of society, which is known as the sick, is of particular importance. The aim of the present study was the effectiveness of yoga on cognitive functions, physical fitness, and craving in female addicts undergoing abstinence treatment. The research method was a pre-test and post-test with a control group. Among all addicts undergoing treatment who referred to addiction treatment centers in Rasht city in the fourth quarter of 2023, 30 people (15 people in the control group and 15 people in the experimental group) were selected conveniently. This study was a semi-experimental and applied research type. The experimental group received the yoga training protocol in 16 sessions of 1.5 hours, two sessions per week. The MMSE cognitive performance questionnaire by Folstein et al.(1975) and the Tiffany et al.(1995) craving questionnaire were used to measure cognitive function and craving, and the Pelequin test was used to estimate aerobic capacity, the Planck test was used to estimate muscular endurance, and the flexibility test was used to estimate flexibility.The results of the multivariate covariance test showed that yoga exercises were effective on cognitive function components of female addicts undergoing abstinence treatment. The results of Pelequin test, flexibility test, and Planck test indicated differences between the two groups.Finally, the findings showed that yoga training was also effective on craving in female addicts undergoing abstinence treatment.

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