Abstract
The euphoric feeling described after running is, at least in part, due to increased circulating endocannabinoids (eCBs). eCBs are lipid signaling molecules involved in reward, appetite, mood, memory and neuroprotection. The aim of this study was to investigate whether activities other than running can increase circulating eCBs. Nine healthy female volunteers (mean 61 years) were recruited from a local choir. Circulating eCBs, haemodynamics, mood and hunger ratings were measured before and immediately after 30 min of dance, reading, singing or cycling in a fasted state. Singing increased plasma levels of anandamide (AEA) by 42% (P < 0.05), palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) by 53% (P < 0.01) and oleoylethanolamine (OEA) by 34% (P < 0.05) and improved positive mood and emotions (P < 0.01), without affecting hunger scores. Dancing did not affect eCB levels or hunger ratings, but decreased negative mood and emotions (P < 0.01). Cycling increased OEA levels by 26% (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease how hungry volunteers felt, without affecting mood. Reading increased OEA levels by 28% (P < 0.01) and increased the desire to eat. Plasma AEA levels were positively correlated with how full participants felt (P < 0.05). Plasma OEA levels were positively correlated with positive mood and emotions (P < 0.01). All three ethanolamines were positively correlated with heart rate (HR; P < 0.0001). These data suggest that activities other than running can increase plasma eCBs associated with changes in mood or appetite. Increases in eCBs may underlie the rewarding and pleasurable effects of singing and exercise and ultimately some of the long-term beneficial effects on mental health, cognition and memory.
Highlights
The classic ‘‘runners high’’ is described as the sense of well-being and mood elevation associated with moderate distance running
It is well reported that running is correlated with mood elevation
These positive effects have been attributed to an evolutionary trait, where positive re-enforcement led to increased food foraging, survival and subsequent passing of relevant genes to offspring and have recently been attributed, at least in part, to increases in eCBs (Bramble and Lieberman, 2004; Raichlen et al, 2012)
Summary
The classic ‘‘runners high’’ is described as the sense of well-being and mood elevation associated with moderate distance running. Other typical indicators include a decrease in anxious thinking (anxiolytic), positive emotions/mood (euphoria), reduced pain perception (analgesia) and a feeling of increased endurance (Sparling et al, 2003; Dietrich and McDaniel, 2004; Tsatsoulis and Fountoulakis, 2006; Raichlen et al, 2012). To explain these positive effects post-exercise, attention was directed to the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, and a number of groups have found significant correlations between physical activity, mood and elevated eCB levels. Brellenthin et al (2017) showed that 2-AG and AEA were significantly increased in a study analyzing the effects of preferred (self-selected) and prescribed (70%–75% of max) exercise on eCB levels and mood
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