Abstract

Considerable research has shown significant increases in beta-endorphin levels after aerobic activity. These increases and their accompanying euphoric effect have been suggested as a possible psychophysiological mechanism underlying the exercise-dependence syndrome. The relationship between plasma beta-endorphin levels and a tendency towards exercise dependence, however, has not been established. To examine this relationship, 8 women trained in aerobic dance completed an exercise-dependence assessment prior to participation in a 45-min. session of continuous aerobic dance. Plasma beta-endorphin concentration was measured both prior to and following the aerobics routine. A Student t test for paired observations indicated that mean plasma beta-endorphin levels (+/-SE) were significantly higher after the aerobics routine (11.96+/-1.3 pg beta-EP.ml) than preexercise levels (8.62+/-1.4). However, beta-endorphin difference values ( change) were not significantly correlated with scores on the exercise-dependency survey. Those data suggest that scores on exercise dependence are not related to changes in plasma beta-endorphin levels after aerobic exercise. Verf.-Referat