Physical activity and the prevention, reduction, and treatment of alcohol and/or substance use across the lifespan (The PHASE review): protocol for a systematic review

The objectives of this mixed methods systematic review are to describe and evaluate the quantitative and qualitative research obtained by a diverse search strategy on the impact of physical activity and its potential to:Reduce the risk of progression to alcohol and/or substance use (PREVENTION)Support individuals to reduce alcohol and/or substance use for harm reduction (REDUCTION), andPromote abstinence and relapse prevention during and after treatment for an alcohol and/or substance use disorder (TREATMENT).With the input of key stakeholders, we aim to assess how what we know can be translated into policy and practice. Quantitative, qualitative, service evaluations, and economic analyses will be brought together in a final narrative synthesis that will describe the potential benefits of physical activity for whom, in what conditions, and in what form.DiscussionThis review will provide details of what is known about physical activity and the prevention, reduction, and treatment of alcohol and/or substance use. The synthesised findings will be disseminated to policymakers, service providers, and commissioners in the UK.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO number:CRD42017079322.

Source: Systematic Reviews - January 22, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research