STEP Study
Researchers at UT Austin are partnering with individuals to evaluate how exercise can help those who smoke regularly to manage stress or anxiety take their first step toward quitting. Participants will receive a 4-month YMCA membership and a personal trainer for guided exercise sessions, nicotine replacement therapy (patches), sessions with a smoking cessation counselor, and compensation throughout the study. See if you qualify!
Fast Facts
Daily cigarette smokers, 18+ years and motivated to quit
Smoke to deal with stress or anxiety
YMCA membership provided for 4-months, up to 17 sessions with a personal trainer
Conducted in San Antonio, El Paso, and DFW area.
54 weeks long: 15 weeks of exercise then 4 brief follow-ups every 2-3 months
Study Background
The Anxiety and Health Behaviors Lab at the University of Texas at Austin and YMCAs across cities in Texas are looking for individuals who are over the age of 18, daily smokers, motivated to quit, and not currently exercising at a high intensity.
Study Background
The Anxiety and Health Behaviors Lab at the University of Texas at Austin and YMCAs across cities in Texas are looking for individuals who are over the age of 18, daily smokers, motivated to quit, and not currently exercising at a high intensity.
Additional Information
This research study is being conducted to learn more about how exercise may help people quit smoking and reduce stress, especially among individuals who are more sensitive to anxiety.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 years or older
- Willing to get a physical exam to ensure exercise is safe for you
- Smoke cigarettes daily for more than 1 year
- Motivated to quit smoking
- Currently smoke to deal with stress or anxiety
- Not already exercising at a high intensity
- Not already receiving treatment to quit smoking
- Get medical clearance to exercise
- Attend enrollment visits led by research staff
- Complete 3 exercise sessions a week for 15 weeks (total of 75 min/week) at the YMCA
- Make a smoking quit attempt at week 6
- Participate in smoking cessation counseling
- Self-report exercise and progress through survey assessments Week 1-54
- Self-report and validate smoking habits with CO measures and saliva samples
Other benefits include:
- A 4-month YMCA membership at no cost (which may be eligible for family-member add-ons)
- Up to 17 sessions of personal training
- Nicotine replacement therapy (patches)
- 6-8 weeks of counseling through the Texas Tobacco Quitline
While there is no cost to participate, you will be asked to attend a medical clearance visit and 3 sessions at the YMCA a week so you will need to have a mode of transportation.