runners high

Question 1

psychobiological theory of runners high

Answer 1

Siebers et al., 2023-
The psychobiological model suggests that runner’s high is not just about chemicals like endorphins or endocannabinoids, but also about psychological and cognitive factors influencing motivation and effort perception.

Key Ideas of the Psychobiological Model:
Anticipated Reward & Motivation:

The brain predicts a reward for completing a run or achieving a goal.
This anticipation can trigger dopamine release, creating feelings of pleasure and motivation.
Effort Perception & Fatigue Reduction:

When runners enter a flow state, they may feel less fatigue because their attention shifts away from discomfort.
The brain might downregulate pain perception to allow continued effort.
Cognitive Factors & Mood Enhancement:

Positive thoughts, goal-setting, and enjoyment of movement can increase motivation and reduce perceived effort.
Running in a natural environment or with social support can further enhance these effects.
How It Relates to Runner’s High:
Rather than a purely biological response, runner’s high may be influenced by mindset, motivation, and goal anticipation.
This theory suggests that mental state plays a big role, and some people may experience runner’s high due to psychological factors rather than just brain chemicals.

Question 1

what are the 3 theories of exercise addiction/ runners high?

Answer 1

endorphin,

endocirne

psychobiological

Question 2

endorphin theory-

Answer 2

What is the Endorphin Theory?
The endorphin theory suggests that runner’s high is caused by the release of β-endorphins, which are natural opioid-like chemicals in the brain. These endorphins:
✅ Act as painkillers by binding to opioid receptors (similar to morphine).
✅ Create a sense of euphoria and relaxation after prolonged exercise.

This theory gained popularity because studies showed that β-endorphin levels increase after exercise. However, newer research has challenged this idea.

2. Why the Endorphin Theory is Not Fully Supported
   A. Endorphins Cannot Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier
   β-Endorphins are large molecules and cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
   While exercise increases endorphin levels in the blood, this does not mean they are active in the brain where they would be needed to cause euphoria.
   If endorphins can’t enter the brain, they can’t be responsible for the mood changes of runner’s high.
   B. Blocking Opioid Receptors Does NOT Eliminate Runner’s High
   If endorphins were the cause of runner’s high, then blocking opioid receptors (which endorphins bind to) should prevent runner’s high.
   However, studies using naltrexone (an opioid receptor blocker) found that people still experienced runner’s high despite their opioid receptors being blocked.
   This suggests that something other than endorphins must be responsible for the euphoric effects—likely endocannabinoids.

Question 3

endocannaboid theory

Answer 3

Endocannabinoids like anandamide (not endorphins) are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and are found in increased levels after running.

Blocking cannabinoid receptors (CB1 receptors) does eliminate runner’s high, which strongly supports the endocannabinoid theory over the endorphin theory.

1. How the Endocannabinoid System Works in Runner’s High

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of:
Endocannabinoids (like anandamide and 2-AG) – chemicals made by the body, similar to THC from cannabis.
CB1 & CB2 Receptors – found in the brain, nervous system, and immune system.
Enzymes – break down endocannabinoids after they are used.

Steps in Runner’s High:
Exercise Triggers Endocannabinoid Release

Running or prolonged physical activity increases anandamide (AEA) levels in the bloodstream.
Anandamide can cross the blood-brain barrier, affecting the brain directly.

Binding to CB1 Receptors in the Brain

Anandamide activates CB1 receptors, which are heavily concentrated in:
The prefrontal cortex (involved in mood and motivation).
The amygdala (regulates emotions).
The ventral striatum (reward center).
Effects on Mood & Pain Perception

Activating CB1 receptors leads to:
✅ Euphoria & relaxation (similar to cannabis effects).
✅ Reduced pain perception (natural analgesic effect).
✅ Lower stress & anxiety (calming effect).
✅ Enhanced motivation & focus (dopamine system interaction).

2. Why Is Runner’s High So Addictive?
   Activates the Brain’s Reward System (Dopamine Boost)

CB1 activation stimulates dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (the brain’s pleasure center).
This is the same pathway activated by addictive drugs (cannabis, nicotine, and opioids).
Triggers a Natural “Feel-Good” Loop

Exercise → Anandamide release → CB1 activation → Dopamine release → Motivation to exercise again.
This reinforcement makes people crave running, similar to how people crave substances that increase dopamine.