The effect of 8 weeks aerobic training on changes beta-endorphin, cortisol, growth hormone levels and anthropometric factors in recovering addicts

Drug dependence is a physical, mental and social problem. That requires long-term and multilateral treatment. This study aimed to determine the impact of 8 weeks of aerobic training on changes beta endorphin, cortisol, growth hormone levels and anthropometric factors in recovering addicts. In this study, 30 male recovering addicts whit age 25-35 years, were randomly divided into two groups: control and experimental. The exercise protocol was 8 weeks of aerobic training, three times pre week. The duration and the intensity of exercise were gradually added at the end of each phase of training. Beta-endorphin, cortisol and growth hormone levels analyzed by using an ELISA in pre test and post test. Paired t test and independent t test were used to examine differences between and within groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Results of this study showed that 8 weeks of aerobic training led to a significant increase in beta-endorphins, growth hormone and VO2max in the aerobic training group compared whit the preworkout (p<0.05) But despite the decrease cortisol, body mass index and body fat percentage after exercise showed no significant difference (p>0.05).The independent t-test results between the groups was only in variable growth hormone (p>0.05). Considering to the desired effect of aerobic training in increasing of beta-endorphin levels in recovering addicts in treatment centers and addiction clinics will be benefited from this training.