A review of 20 studies suggests that short bursts of exercise, such as a one-mile walk or cycling for 10 minutes allowed smokers to resist the temptation to smoke for longer.

"Nicotine cravings are driven by an absence of the chemical reward that nicotine produces in brain. Research suggests that exercise produces neurotransmitters including dopamine - a chemical in the brain associated with positive mood. " claimed Professor Adrian Taylor.

"In this way, exercise may mimic the effects of nicotine in the brain and provides smokers with the same relief from negative mood as smoking."

Another study, by Kate Janse van Rensburg, found that parts of the brain that are usually activated by smoking related cues, such as the sight of a cigarette packet, were not activated in the brains of smokers who have recently exercised. This means that exercise may reduce cravings produced by external factors, as those particular brain areas are associated with the anticipation of pleasure from smoking.

A further study that found exercise reduced the amount of time smokers looked at cigarette related images, which suggests that exercise may have subconscious effects on cravings. Exercise shifts smokers’ focus away from things they associate with pleasure from smoking.

Professor Taylor added: "Results across 20 studies show that exercise reduces cigarette cravings, and we are starting to learn more about how. Based on these findings we have recently completed a two-year study "Walk-2-Quit" in which exercise is used as a smoking cessation intervention. It is designed to help smokers self-regulate their cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

"The most important finding from our research is that exercise does not have to be hard or long lasting to have these effects, even brief bouts of physical activity can be an effective aid for smokers wishing to quit."

Source: Adapted from materials provided by the British Psychological Society