The effect of 12 weeks of total body resistance training (TRX) on serum serotonin, dopamine and happiness levels in overweight elderly men

Serotonin and dopamine are monoamine neurotransmitters that are effective in mood and happiness, which are reduced in old age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of total body resistance training on serum levels of dopamine, serotonin and happiness in overweight elderly men.

In this quasi-experimental study, 30 elderly men with an age range of 62.06±1.53 years were selected as the sample and randomly divided into two groups of training and control, each group consisting of 15 people. The experimental group trained in a TRX training program for 12 weeks and 3 sessions per week for 60 minutes. Exercise intensity was controlled by Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE).  Serum levels of dopamine, serotonin and happiness index were measured 48 hours before and after the training period. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and analysis of covariance at the significant level of P˂0.05.

The results of paired t-test showed that between pre-test and post-test in dopamine (p=0.01, t=2.19), serotonin (p=0.001, t=-1.23) and happiness (P=0.003, t=-1.79) There was a significant difference in TRX group. Also, the results of analysis of covariance showed that dopamine (P=0.01, F=3.5), serotonin (P= 0.002, F =1.91) and happiness (P=0.003, F=3.10) increase in the training group compared to the control group.

It seems that total body resistance training can be effective in increasing happiness and mental health of the elderly while increasing serum levels of serotonin and dopamine.