An enduring question in running science is what exactly makes running such an amazing activity. Millions of people swear by various forms of endurance exercise, despite its difficulty. Therefore, it is reasonable to ponder what makes running beneficial and how we can maximize its benefits.
The latest focus of scientific attention is oxytocin, a hormone linked to social bonding and a variety of other functions in the brain and body. While the feeling of runner’s high has long been associated with endorphins, recent research has suggested the involvement of endocannabinoids, GABA, serotonin, and BDNF. Whether oxytocin is another beneficial brain chemical whose levels are boosted by exercise has been a topic of debate for many years, but recent studies are strengthening this claim, adding a new dimension to our understanding of how running affects health and well-being.
A study in Behavioural Brain Research conducted by researchers in Iran tested the idea that exercise increases oxytocin levels. The study found that mice who underwent swimming training showed elevated oxytocin levels in the brain and bloodstream. Administering an oxytocin antagonist, which blocks the effects of oxytocin, eliminated the observed social and antidepressant benefits of the training.
Another study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise involved volunteers going through high-intensity interval workouts with catheters inserted in their arm and jugular vein to measure oxytocin levels in the blood. The results revealed an increase in oxytocin levels in the blood, with unexpected findings related to its distribution in the body.
The potential cardiovascular benefits of oxytocin, particularly its effects on blood pressure and circulation, have drawn the interest of researchers. Despite the growing body of research on oxytocin, there are still many gaps in our understanding of how exercise impacts oxytocin levels and its subsequent health effects. This requires a cautious approach, acknowledging the complex interconnections between the various mechanisms through which exercise boosts our health.
