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Drug Use and AddictionNCT07546422

Effects of Circuit Training on Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Multi Drug Abusers

A study testing Circuit Training Program and Conventional Training Program in people with Drug Use and Addiction, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The aim of this research is to evaluate the effects of circuit training on cardiopulmonary fitness among the different categories of drug abusers. Randomized clinical trial is conducted in registered Drug Rehabilitation Center with Social Welfare Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Da Haq Awaz (Anti-Drugs Organization)… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 60 years, men only
Conditions the study is for
Drug Use and Addiction
What is being tested?
Circuit Training Program and Conventional Training Program
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
30 Sep 2025to 30 Jan 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 60 years
  • Men only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Participants meeting the below criteria, shall be recruited in the study:
  • Those patients will be included who have completed acute detoxification period (15 days of Date of Admission) also the patients who were relapsed after 3 months of treatment and re-admitted.
  • Only male participants will be included.
  • Age of the participants will be 18 to 60 years old.
  • Informed Consent will be taken from subjects or their legal guardians.
  • Those participants will be included in the study that has complete relevant medical record (Multi Drug kit Report).
  • Elderly drug abusers (Can perform 6 Minute Walk Test without complication)

Who cannot join

  • Following participants will be excluded from the study:
  • Glaucoma disease or severe mental illness, or a history of epilepsy/seizures.
  • Serious systemic disease in the past three months, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, diabetes and hypertension.
  • Diagnosed cardiopulmonary disease
  • Any neurological complication
  • Those patients who having Hepatitis C Virus, HIV \& Hepatitis B Virus will be excluded.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site
  • Da Haq Awaz, Anti-drug Organization

    Peshawar

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

The aim of this research is to evaluate the effects of circuit training on cardiopulmonary fitness among the different categories of drug abusers. Randomized clinical trial is conducted in registered Drug Rehabilitation Center with Social Welfare Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Da Haq Awaz (Anti-Drugs Organization), Peshawar. The sample size is 60 participants (n=60). These participants were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 30) and Group B (n = 30). Study duration is of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was Non probability Purposive Sampling technique. Only male participants were included which age was 18-60 years with multi-drugs abusing. Tools used in the study are 6 Minute Walk Test, Step Test-VO2max, Spirometer Testing and Mini-Mental State Examination. Data was analyzed through SPSS 23.

Read the detailed description

Drug addiction is a chronic, frequent brain disorder caused by continuous abuse or use of addictive drugs such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, methadone and methamphetamine etc. Long-term drug misuse affects a person's physical and mental health, changes the structure of the brain, and endangers public safety as well. In 2021, there were over 275 million drug users worldwide, according to the United Nations Office report on Drugs and Crime's (UNODC), World Drug Report 2021. This is a 22% increase from 2010 and estimated an 11% increase by 2030. There were about 500,000 drug-related deaths in 2019 recorded, 36 million drug-related mental health problems, and 18 million healthy lives lost as a result of serious drug use problems, according to the report. In order to improve cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and overall health in both young and old people, as well as the quality of life for patients suffering from diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer, several international associations have released guidelines for physical activity and exercise that suggest increasing maximal strength in addition to these other improvements. Resistance and endurance training are commonly performed simultaneously (i.e., concurrent training) as part of periodic training sessions in a variety of diseases and sports disciplines.

Resistance circuit-based training (CT), which encourages aerobic conditioning, muscular endurance and neuromuscular and strength adaptations in a single session, is now one of the most popular concurrent training techniques. Previously, CT has been suggested as an optional kind of training for individuals who are not trained nor have a lower baseline level of fitness because it can increase VO2max and upper body maximal strength. Public health initiatives aiming at preventing heart disease have gained medical attention as the worldwide burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to rise. Exercise is an independent and protective risk factor linked to blood pressure (BP), blood vessel function, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to clinical research conducted over the years(3). Athletes who participate in CT training report higher heart rates but similar strength requirements to those reported during a traditional strength-training session. Additionally, they report higher lactate concentrations and ratings of perceived exertion during CT, which are higher than during traditional strength-training. Furthermore, they report higher oxygen consumption during the session compared to both traditional strength-training and aerobic treadmill exercise.

Furthermore, compared to a conventional resistance training session or a treadmill exercise, higher excess post-exercise oxygen demand during the recovery has been found following CT. These CT traits are generally associated with the particular strength and aerobic adaptations as well as changes in body composition associated with this kind of training. Previous studies on cardiorespiratory fitness have shown improvements in VO2max and endurance performance.

Being tested
Circuit Training Program, Conventional Training Program
Keywords
Circuit Training, Cardiopulmonary Fitness, Multi Drug Abusers.
Medical subject headings
Behavior, Addictive

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Circuit Training ProgramOther

    FREQUENCY: 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (total 12 sessions) INTENSITY: Moderate to high intensity. Exercises involved (e.g., pushups, high knees, stair climbing) TIME: 45-60 minutes per session Each session includes 6 stations, with repetitions (e.g., 10 sit-ups, 10 squats/burpees, 3 min stair climbing) TYPE: High knees (x5), 3-minute stair climbing, 5 push-ups, Sit-ups/crunches (x10),Single-leg stands (right and left), Squad thrusts/burpees (x10)

  • Conventional Training ProgramOther

    FREQUENCY: 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (total 12 sessions) INTENSITY: Low to moderate intensity Mostly educational and traditional walking-based TIME: 40-50 minutes per session Includes lifestyle modification sessions + physical activity (walking)

    TYPE: Conventional Training Program:

    Educational sessions, Health and lifestyle modification, Light aerobic activity (e.g., Traditional walking)

Study groups in NCT07546422
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group AExperimentalThe 4 weeks Circuit Training program, it will be of 3 times per week. Each CT workout includes 6 stations per Circuit Training. Before the training period, all participants underwent an exercise familiarization session to ensure proper execution of technique. The CT exercises includes five times of high knee, three minute stair climbing, five repetitions of pushups, 10 time sit ups/crunches, right and left single leg stands for long time as they continued balance and 10 times squad thrusts among the 6 stations.
Receives: Other: Circuit Training Program
Group BOtherThe Control Group will also receive the 4 weeks treatment program in which participants will receive educational sessions and lifestyle advice related to health and fitness but do not engage in a structured exercise program but will do just the traditional exercise such as walking.
Receives: Other: Conventional Training Program

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. 6 Minute Walk Test for Distance

    The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple field test used to measure the distance an individual can walk on a flat, hard surface within six minutes. It is commonly used to evaluate functional exercise capacity and endurance, especially in populations with cardiopulmonary limitations. The test is performed in a straight corridor or walkway, and the total distance covered in six minutes is recorded

    Measured: 4 Weeks

  2. Step Test-VO2max

    (Maximal Oxygen Uptake) the step test is used to assess cardiopulmonary fitness by evaluating heart and lung efficiency during exercise and recovery. The test requires a 12-inch step/platform, a stopwatch, and optionally, a metronome and heart rate monitor. After a 5-10 minute warm-up, the participant steps up and down at a rate of 96 beats per minute for 3 minutes. Immediately after, the participant sits down, and their heart rate is measured for 1 full minute to determine cardiovascular endurance and recovery rate.

    Measured: 4 Weeks

  3. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

    (MMSE) is primarily used to assess cognitive function in the context of drug abusers, it can be relevant to evaluate cognitive impairment that may affect their ability to engage in and benefit from cardiopulmonary fitness programs. The MMSE evaluates cognitive domains such as orientation, memory, attention, language, and visuospatial skills. In drug abusers, cognitive deficits can influence their adherence to and effectiveness of cardiopulmonary interventions.

    Measured: 4 Weeks

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

    FVC is the total volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a full inspiration. It is measured using a digital spirometer.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  2. Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1)

    FEV1 is the volume of air exhaled during the first second of a forced breath. It is measured using a digital spirometer.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  3. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)

    PEF is the maximum flow rate achieved during a forceful exhalation, measured using a digital spirometer.

    Measured: 4 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted22 Apr 2026
  2. Study start30 Sep 2025
  3. Primary completion30 Jan 2026
  4. Study completion30 Jan 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07546422
Sponsor's protocol ID
Iftikhar Ahmad
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
21 Jul 2025
Last updated
22 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Song L-y, Huang Z-j, Yang S-s, Bu D-r, Yi N, Zheng X. Effectiveness of short-term exercise on drug rehabilitation effect for drug abusers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 2023:1-26

  • Ramos-Campo DJ, Andreu Caravaca L, Martinez-Rodriguez A, Rubio-Arias JA. Effects of Resistance Circuit-Based Training on Body Composition, Strength and Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biology (Basel). 2021 Apr 28;10(5):377. doi: 10.3390/biology10050377.

    PubMed 33924785
  • Getty AK, Wisdo TR, Chavis LN, Derella CC, McLaughlin KC, Perez AN, DiCiurcio WT 3rd, Corbin M, Feairheller DL. Effects of circuit exercise training on vascular health and blood pressure. Prev Med Rep. 2018 Feb 27;10:106-112. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.02.010. eCollection 2018 Jun.

    PubMed 29850395
  • Ramos-Campo DJ, Martinez-Guardado I, Olcina G, Marin-Pagan C, Martinez-Noguera FJ, Carlos-Vivas J, Alcaraz PE, Rubio JA. Effect of high-intensity resistance circuit-based training in hypoxia on aerobic performance and repeat sprint ability. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2018 Oct;28(10):2135-2143. doi: 10.1111/sms.13223. Epub 2018 Jun 13.

    PubMed 29791970
  • Marquez G, Romero-Arenas S, Marin-Pagan C, Vera-Ibanez A, FernaNdez Del Olmo M, Taube W. Peripheral and central fatigue after high intensity resistance circuit training. Muscle Nerve. 2017 Jul;56(1):152-159. doi: 10.1002/mus.25460. Epub 2017 Mar 27.

    PubMed 28346689

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Circuit Training Program and Conventional Training Program in people with Drug Use and Addiction, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

6 Minute Walk Test for Distance (time frame: 4 Weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07546422, which also lists 5 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Apr 2026.

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