Introduction & Objective: Addiction or substance dependence is one of the biggest health problems in the world today. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of Pilates training and electrical stimulation on serum BDNF levels and cardiovascular fitness in addicted men to meth-amphetamine leaving.
Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental study with quasi-addict men in the study population, of which 45 were randomly assigned to quit addiction camp with at least three months of training in Pilates + Electrical stimulation, exercise (Pilates) + false stimulation, only electrical stimulation and control group were divided. Pilates exercise protocol was performed for 8 weeks, three sessions per week and each session for 60 minutes. Electrical stimulation was performed using a neurostimulator. Dependent t-test was used to assess the pre-test and post-test for the dependent variables, one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests to determine the significant differences between groups.
Results: Cardiovascular fitness and BDNF were significantly increased in exercise + stimulation, training + false stimulation and electrical stimulation groups and also in cardiovascular fitness and control group BDNF was not significantly different in pre-test compared to post-test.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that Pilates training and electrical stimulation can be used as a factor in enhancing neurogenesis and cardiovascular fitness.