The Endocannabinoid System and Physical Exercise
D. Matei, Dan Trofin, D. Iordan, I. Onu, Iustina Condurache, Catalin Ionite, I. Buculei
International Journal of Molecular Sciences January 19, 2023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031989 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key findings | Argues that endocannabinoids released during sustained, high-intensity physical exercise are involved in triggering the 'runner's high' and can act as short-term circuit breakers producing brief antinociceptive effects. The authors state that this exercise-induced emotional state is believed to alleviate pain, induce mild sedation, increase euphoric levels, and have anxiolytic effects. |
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in various processes, including brain plasticity, learning and memory, neuronal development, nociception, inflammation, appetite regulation, digestion, metabolism, energy balance, motility, and regulation of stress and emotions. Physical exercise (PE) is considered a valuable non-pharmacological therapy that is an immediately available and cost-effective method with a lot of health benefits, one of them being the activation of the endogenous cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are generated as a response to high-intensity activities and can act as short-term circuit breakers, generating antinociceptive responses for a short and variable period of time. A runner’s high is an ephemeral feeling some sport practitioners experience during endurance activities, such as running. The release of eCBs during sustained physical exercise appears to be involved in triggering this phenomenon. The last decades have been characterized by an increased interest in this emotional state induced by exercise, as it is believed to alleviate pain, induce mild sedation, increase euphoric levels, and have anxiolytic effects. This review provides information about the current state of knowledge about endocannabinoids and physical effort and also an overview of the studies published in the specialized literature about this subject.