SUMMARY. Alcoholics who participated in a lithess program had improved rates o] abstinence. Although alcoholism is viewed as a multifaceted disorder, there has been little systematic analysis of the role of physical rehabilitation in alcoholism treatment (1). The past decade has witnessed great concern, in the public as a whole, over aerobic or endurance fitness. Programs which emphasize aerobic fitness require participation for at least 30 min three times a week, with an intensity of effort of from 60 to 80 % of maximum. Physiological adaptations take place following several weeks of regular participation in such a graded exercise program: reduced basal and working heart rate, lowered blood pressure, increase in muscle tone, increase in maximum oxygen uptake, and delayed onset of fatigue (2, 3). Numerous psychological adjustments have also been noted from such activity: e.g., lowered anxiety, improved self-esteem and greater selfconfidence (4, 5). In previous research on exercise programs with alcoholics, Gary and Guthrie (6) found little correlation between fitness improvement and changes in self-concept. Frankel and Murphy (7), administering the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory in conjunction with a 12week fitness program, found positive changes on the depression and psychasthenia subscales which were associated with fitness improvement. Pursch a suggested that running daily aids in the rehabilitation of
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Sinyor et al. (1982) studied this question.