Jan 08, 2022 15:00:00

Is the intensity of exercise related to 'Runner's High', which gives you a pleasant feeling when you continue exercising?

Exercise such as running is painful, but if you continue to some extent, you may gradually experience positive emotions such as euphoria, satisfaction, and uplifting. Hillary Marsack, a neuroscience researcher at Wayne State University in the United States, explained the movement needed to reach this point called '

Runner's High.'

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Exercise on the Endocannabinoid System | Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2021.0113

The'runner's high' may result from molecules called cannabinoids – the body's own version of THC and CBD
https://theconversation.com/the-runners-high-may-result-from-molecules-called-cannabinoids-the-bodys-own-version-of-thc-and-cbd-170796

Although mood improvements and increased positive emotions in Runner's High are subjective, it is believed that exercise-induced changes in body chemicals cause a condition called Runner's High. Endorphins, which are secreted by aerobic exercise in the body, have been attracting attention for many years as the cause of runners' high.

Endorphin is a type of opioid that has analgesic and euphoric effects, and has been reported to have the effect of relaxing the body and relieving pain. However, the theory that 'endorphins cause runners high' has been questioned because endorphins cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, which limits the exchange of substances between blood and the brain.

Therefore, in recent years, the theory that another group of substances called 'endocannabinoids ' instead of endorphins may be the causative agent of runner's high has become predominant. Endocannabinoids are similar to cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) , the active ingredient in cannabis, and have the characteristic of being able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Endocannabinoids are produced in the human body and have a mild psychotropic effect that is different from THC, so they can create a euphoria of runners high that is different from the uplifting feeling of cannabis.

What exactly is 'Runner's High'? --GIGAZINE

Runners high and endocannabinoids of the relationship 2021 that investigated the research in, since the endorphins to block the opioid receptors of the subject in a drug even in a state that does not act, the subjects felt relief of happiness and pain after exercise , Endorphins have been shown to be unlikely to be the causative agent of runners high. Furthermore, in another group of subjects who blocked cannabinoid receptors and made endocannabinoids ineffective, it was found that the effects of exercise such as happiness and pain relief were reduced.

A new research team, including Shreya Desai of Wayne State University in the United States, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 studies investigating endocannabinoids and exercise. This study compared the effects of 'acute exercise' such as 30 minutes of running and cycling with 'chronic exercise' such as 10 weeks of running and weightlifting, as well as the type and intensity of exercise on endocannabinoid levels. We also investigated the impact.

As a result of the analysis, the research team found that acute exercise consistently increased the levels of endocannabinoids, especially anandamide, a type of endocannabinoid. Interestingly, the secretion of endocannabinoids by exercise was not affected by the type of exercise such as running, swimming, weightlifting, or personal health.

Also, although little research has been done on the intensity and duration of exercise and the secretion of endocannabinoids, moderate intensity exercise such as cycling and running is more effective than low intensity exercise, such as walking or walking slowly on a gentle slope. It was. This suggests that elevated heart rate is involved in endocannabinoid secretion, and exercise for at least 30 minutes at an intensity of about 70-80% of the maximum age-dependent heart rate for full benefit. It is believed that it is necessary to do so.

No consistent effect was found on the effects of chronic exercise, such as the '6-week continuous cycling program,' on endocannabinoid secretion at rest. Other questions such as 'what is the minimum amount of exercise required to stimulate endocannabinoid secretion?' And 'how long does endocannabinoid secretion increase after acute exercise?' Are still clear. It is said that it has not become.