Gambling Disorder (GD) is defined as the recurrent and persistent act of betting which leads to clinical impairments,. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) conceptualizes GD as a behavioral addiction due to the similarities between GD and substance addictions in clinical presentation, association with personality factors, genetic transmission and treatment options. Previous studies found potential benefits of physical activity in treatment of addictions in general and GD in particular, such as reducing desire to play, betting and depressive and anxious symptoms.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria:
* Five or more diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition (DSM-IV-TR - APA, 2000);
* At least four years of formal education;
* Able to perform physical activity;
* Non-pregnant.
Exclusion criteria:
* Clinical pathology that demands urgent care such as hospitalization in another service;
* Any cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, or clinical condition that could prevent the practice of aerobic activity, established in clinical evaluation prior to randomization;
* Psychotic disorder that may undermine validity of responses to the self-report scales administered;
* Condition which affects the central nervous system and seriously impairs cognitive functions, as a disorder oligophrenia;
* Diagnosis of moderate to severe depression that compromises engagement in physical activity.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial used physical activity as an intervention for gambling disorder and measured outcomes with the Gambling Follow-up Scale and a neuropsychiatric interview — what do those results actually tell us about whether exercise can meaningfully reduce gambling behavior, and does that evidence apply to my specific situation?
2Since this trial is listed under 'Phase NA,' meaning it wasn't a standard drug trial with the usual safety and efficacy phases, how do I interpret what was learned here compared to more traditional treatment research, and is the evidence strong enough to influence my care plan?
3The trial is now completed — has the data been published anywhere, and if so, what did it show about whether a structured physical activity program actually helped people with gambling disorder compared to other approaches?
4Would adding physical activity to my treatment make sense alongside other evidence-based options like cognitive behavioral therapy or medication, or would it be considered a standalone alternative based on what this trial found?
5Given that this trial measured both gambling-specific outcomes and broader neuropsychiatric factors, does that suggest gambling disorder has a mental health dimension that my current treatment plan should be addressing more directly?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.