Effects of core stabilization exercises on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity in adolescents with substance use disorder: Randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent substance abuse is a serious and growing problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of core stabilization exercises on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity in adolescents with substance use disorder (SUD). METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. A total of 49 adolescent male patients with SUD were randomly assigned to either the exercise group (n = 25; mean age 16.6 years) or the control group (n = 24; mean age 16.7 years), for 6 weeks. All participants underwent a medical and behavioral therapy program 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The exercise group received five core stabilization exercises combined with deep breathing as a group training for 45 to 60 minutes, twice a week for 6 weeks, and the control group received recreational activities in addition to the usual care for 45 to 60 minutes, twice a week for 6 weeks. Spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and the 6-minute walk test were performed and measured at baseline and after training. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure (24.16 cm H2 O; P < 0.0001), maximal expiratory pressure (30.28 cm H2 O; P < 0.0001), forced vital capacity (5.80% predicted, P < 0.0001), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (7.34% predicted; P = 0.002), peak expiratory flow (13.32% predicted; P = 0.0003), forced expiratory flow 25%-75% (11.84% predicted; P = 0.027), and the 6-minute walking distance (65.84 m; P < 0.0001) in the exercise group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Core stabilization exercise can improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity in adolescents with SUD.

One-Year Follow-Up of Heroin-Dependent Adolescents Treated with Buprenorfine/Naloxone for the First Time in a Substance Treatment Unit.

The aims of the present study were to evaluate 1-year retention in program and buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NAL) treatment, and abstinence of heroin-dependent adolescents. The present study included the follow-up information of 112 heroin dependent adolescents who took BUP/NAL treatment for the first time in a specific inpatient unit. Retention and abstinence were assessed by self-report and urine drug screen at each visit. Mean age was 16.9 years, with 101 (90.2%) male. Program retention was 81.3% at day 30, and 24.1% at 1 year, while retention in BUP/NAL treatment was 69.6% at day 30 and 16.1% at 1 year. Rates of abstinence were 69.0% at day 30 and 10.3% at 1 year. There was a significant positive correlation between duration of inpatient treatment and program retention, treatment retention, abstinence (p < 0.05 for all), and between the dose and treatment retention, abstinence (p < 0.05 for both). Patients with comorbid psychiatric disease were more likely to be retained in treatment for 3 months, and in program for 6 months (p < 0.05, for all). Patients who completed inpatient treatment were more likely to be retained in treatment for 1 year, and in program for 9 months, and to be abstinent for 1 year (p < 0.05, for all). Findings suggested that starting BUP/NAL treatment in an inpatient unit might result in better outcomes compared to literature. Duration of inpatient treatment, the completion of inpatient treatment, BUP/NAL dose, and having a comorbid psychiatric disease seemed to be important factors for heroin-dependent adolescents in retention and abstinence within 1-year period.

High risk of Internet addiction and its relationship with lifetime substance use, psychological and behavioral problems among 10(th) grade adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of higher risk of Internet addiction (HRIA) with lifetime substance use, psychological and behavioral factors among Turkish 10(th) grade students. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional online self-report survey conducted in 45 schools from the 15 districts in Istanbul, Turkey. A representative sample of 4957 10(th) grade students was studied between October 2012 and December 2012. Other than sociodemographic variables the survey included the Addiction Profile Index Internet Addiction Form-Screening Version (BAPINT-SV) and the Psychological Screening Test for Adolescents (PSTA). RESULTS: The participants were classified into two groups as those with HRIA (15.96%) and those with lower risk of Internet addiction. The rate of HRIA was higher in the males. The findings indicated that HRIA is related with negative consequences in school, lifetime use of tobacco, alcohol and/or drug, suicidal thoughts, self-harming and delinquent behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Male gender, lifetime use of tobacco, alcohol and/or drug, depression, attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms and lack of assertiveness predicted the HRIA in Turkish 10(th) grade students. Being aware of those with HRIA is important in prevention and management of Internet addiction as well as other important problems among students, such as substance use.