The Effect of Local Isometric Exercise on Serum Levels of Beta-Endorphin/Beta-Lipotropin

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1984

Publication Title

The Physician and Sportsmedicine

Keywords

Isometric exercise, beta-endorphin, beta-lipotropin

Abstract

Serum beta-endorphin/beta-lipotropin levels were measured in six elite kayak paddlers and 14 untrained subjects before and after an isometric knee-extension exercise regimen designed to induce profound muscle exertion and discomfort. We found no significant difference in resting beta-endorphin/beta-lipotropin levels between the two groups. Beta-endorphin/beta-lipotropin levels were not altered by the isometric exercise in either group despite a strength loss of approximately 34% and severe muscle exertion and discomfort. These data suggest that previously reported increases in beta-endorphin levels in response to other exercise regimens may not function primarily to modulate the exercise-induced muscle discomfort and pain.

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