OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of exercise on individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) across multiple health outcomes. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Academic Search complete, SPORTDiscus, and ERIC databases. STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Interventional studies published between 2000 and 2018 focused on evaluating the effectiveness of exercise interventions in adults with AUD. DATA EXTRACTION: This protocol was prepared using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocols standard and the Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies guidelines. DATA SYNTHESIS: Physical activity levels/fitness (VO2max (oxygen uptake) and HRmax (maximum heart rate)), levels of depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, quality of life, and alcohol consumption (number of standard drinks consumed per day and per week). RESULTS: The findings indicated that exercise significantly improved physical fitness as assessed by VO2max (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.487, p < 0.05) and HRmax (SMD 0.717, p < 0.05). Similarly, exercise significantly improved mental health as assessed by quality of life (SMD 0.425, p < 0.05), but levels of depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and alcohol consumption did not change significantly. Aerobic exercise alleviated depression and anxiety symptoms more than that of yoga and mixed types. Duration of exercise also had a similar effect on anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise can be an effective and persistent adjunctive treatment for individuals with AUDs.

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