Brain stimulation and exercise reduce cigarette cravings

A new study shows that combining brain stimulation with aerobic exercise can significantly reduce cravings for cigarettes in chronic smokers. This approach also increases motivation to quit smoking, marking a potential advancement in smoking cessation methods. The research involved 41 participants divided into four groups. Those who received both brain stimulation and exercise reported a 50% reduction in cravings and decreased brain activity linked to smoking cues. Other groups did not show the same level of craving reduction. While aerobic exercise alone improved carbon monoxide levels, it did not significantly lower cigarette consumption. The study suggests that the combination of brain stimulation and exercise may be a promising short-term strategy for smoking cessation, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.