Abstract
Research examining the relationship between β-endorphin immunoreactivity and affect has resulted in equivocal findings. To examine this relationship further, 10 male and 10 female college-age students participated in a controlled free-weight exercise session. Blood plasma samples were procured both prior to and following the exercise bout and β-endorphin levels were determined by immunoassay. Analysis indicated that plasma β-endorphin levels following exercise were significantly decreased from pre-exercise levels. Pearson correlations showed no significant relationship between pre- or postexercise plasma β-endorphins and either total mood disturbance or Profile of Mood States subscores. The data support previous failure of resistance exercise to produce an increase in β-endorphin immunoreactivity as well as the lack of a significant relationship between affect and the β-endorphin response to exercise.
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