BETA-ENDORPHINS AND MOOD STATES DURING RESISTANCE EXERCISE

Research examining the relationship between beta-endorphin immunoreact ivity and affect has resulted in equivocal findings. To examine this r elationship further, 10 male and 10 female college-age students partic ipated in a controlled free-weight exercise session. Blood plasma samp les were procured both prior to and following the exercise bout and be ta-endorphin levels were determined by immunoassay. Analysis indicated that plasma beta-endorphin levels following exercise were significant ly decreased from pre-exercise levels. Pearson correlations showed no significant relationship between pre- or postexercise plasma beta-endo rphins and either total mood disturbance or Profile of Mood States sub scores. The data support previous failure of resistance exercise to pr oduce an increase in beta-endorphin immunoreactivity as well as the la ck of a significant relationship between affect and the beta-endorphin response to exercise.