The Effect of 8 Weeks of Aerobic, Anaerobic and Resistance Training on some of Endocannabinoid System Agents, Serotonin, Beta-Endorphin and BDNF in Young Men

One of the most common conditions for challenging the human physiological system is exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic, anaerobic and resistance training on some agents of endocannabinoid system, serotonin, beta-endorphin and BDNF in young men. Thirty-two young men (19-25 aged) who did not have regular physical activity were randomly divided into four groups of eight and completed different sports exercises for eight weeks. A group for aerobic exercises (practice running with 65-70% maximum heart rate, 3 sessions a week), an anaerobic exercise group (practice running with maximum heart rate, 3 sessions per week), a group for circular resistance exercises (6-8 stations that were repeated 8-12 times, 3 sessions per week) and finally a group was selected as a control. ELISA method was used to measure endocannabinoid, serotonin, beta-endorphin and BDNF system factors. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and ANCOVA and dependent t-test at a significant level of 0.05. The data showed that eight weeks of aerobic training resulted a significant increase in serotonin (P = 0.008) compared to the control group and resistance training (P = 0.03). Eight weeks aerobic training (P = 0.005) and anaerobic exercise (P = 0.01) resulted in a significant increase in BDNF. Aerobic, anaerobic and resistive exercises had no significant effect on arachidonyl glycerol (P = 0.19) and beta-endorphin (P = 0.45). Eight weeks resistance training resulted a significant reduction of anandamide compared to control group (P = 0.05). The happiness level in all three training groups was significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.04). The results show an increase in mediators associated with happiness, it is difficult to conclude definitely about especial effect of long-term exercise on endocannabinoids system. Aerobic exercise seems to have increased happiness in the subjects than other exercises.