BACKGROUND: Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter with an important role in regulating brain processes involved in movement. Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps the transmission of messages throughout the nervous system. This neurotransmitter performs many functions including mood, appetite, and the sleep/wake cycle regulations. Previous studies have demonstrated that exercise increases brain serotonin and dopamine function in humans. Therefore, it has recently been suggested as an alternative to treat drug addiction. This study aimed to assess the effects of an eight-week aerobic exercise program on the concentration of DA and serotonin in addicted women in the central prison of Isfahan (Iran). METHODS: Thirty addicted women in the central prison of Isfahan (mean age 32.6 +/- 8.0 years) were randomly divided into two groups of aerobic exercise training (n = 15) and control (n = 15). The aerobic training group performed a supervised 60-minute aerobic exercise training session three times a week for eight weeks. The control group was only followed-up without any effective physical activity. Blood samples of the subjects were tested both at baseline and after eight weeks. Data was analyzed by SPSS16. FINDINGS: After eight weeks, the aerobic training group demonstrated significant improvements in serotonin and DA levels compared to the baseline values (p < 0.01). Significant differences were also observed between the two groups in serotonin and DA levels after eight weeks (p <= 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that aerobic training program is an effective intervention in addicted women.

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