Effects of Yoga and Cardiovascular Exercise on Smoking Motivation

• The Number of Participants Reporting Post Intervention Effects [ Time Frame: Average of 6 Months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Intervention effects on measures of craving, mood, cue reactivity, and smoking behavior will be analyzed with mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Intervention as the between-group factor (HY vs. CE vs. NA), and Time as a within-subject factor (pre vs. post-intervention). Analyses for cue reactivity variables will include the additional within-subject factor of Cue Type (smoking vs. neutral), and analyses for craving and mood self-report will include the additional within-subject factor of Session (1 vs. 2 vs. 3).
  
  

• Number of Participants Reporting Behavior Changes Post Intervention [ Time Frame: Average of 6 Months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  In order to determine whether intervention effects on smoking behavior are mediated by changes in craving, mood, and/or cue reactivity, we will conduct Sobel tests (e.g., Preacher & Leonardelli, 2001), supplemented by mediation analyses using methods of Baron & Kenny (1986).
  
  

First, the investigators will expand the exercise-based interventions from one to three sessions, which will more closely resemble how these interventions may be used in the context of smoking cessation. Second, the investigators will recruit smokers who are motivated to quit smoking, further increasing the clinical relevance of the research. Finally, the investigators will examine the effects of the interventions on actual smoking behavior within and outside of the laboratory setting. This may appropriately be considered a "proof of concept" study, as the investigators will not be powered to detect treatment outcome (smoking cessation) differences, nor are the interventions designed to maximize clinical smoking cessation outcomes.

Participants will be randomized to receive 3-sessions of yoga instruction, 3-sessions of cardiovascular exercise, or to a no activity control group. Sessions will be scheduled to occur approximately 7 days apart, with a minimum of 4 between sessions. Mood and craving will be assessed before and after each session, and smoking behavior will be assessed following each session. Finally, a detailed cue reactivity assessment will be conducted prior to the first session and following the last session. Analyses will examine intervention effects on craving, mood, cue reactivity, and smoking behavior. In addition, the investigators will examine several potential mediators and moderators of intervention effects on smoking behavior. Finally, the investigators will continue to examine the feasibility and potential acceptability of each active intervention, to assist in developing future clinical applications of these techniques in the context of smoking cessation.