The effect of resistance training intervention on cognitive functions in heroin-dependent men

Many heroin-dependent people have defects in cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance training on cognitive functions of heroin-dependent men.

The research method is quasi-experimental and applied in terms of purpose, which was done by pretest-posttest with the control group. Thirty heroin addicts from the Addiction Treatment Center in Tehran participated in study as a sample and were divided into two groups: experimental and control. Participants performed semantic strop and n-back working memory test in the pre-test. The participants of the experimental group performed resistance training sessions 3 times a week for 8 weeks in a circular manner consisting of three sets of 8-12 repetitions consisting of 6 movements with rest intervals of 1-2 minutes between sets and 3-5 minutes between movements. Finally, after the intervention, the post-test was performed. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data.

The results showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the variables of neutral semantic strop (f(1.27)=5/53 p=0.026), positive (f(1.27)=14/75 p=0.001), negative (f(1.27)=6/18 p=0.019) and working memory (f(1.27)=5/29 p=0.029). Due to the difference in means, in working memory, the performance of the experimental group was higher and also the semantic strope reaction time (neutral, positive and negative) was lower in the experimental group.

In a general conclusion, it can be stated that a course of resistance training has a positive effect on cognitive functions (semantic strope and working memory) in heroin-dependent men.