HIIT results in increased endorphin release: study
A recent study by the University of Turku's Positron Emission Tomography (PET) centre has found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) results in increased endorphin release in the brain, which may play a role in mitigating physical and emotional stress caused by high-intensity exercise.
Comparing moderate and high-intensity exercise, researchers identified that HIIT significantly increased the release of endorphins and other opioid peptides in the brain areas controlling pain and emotion.
A less demanding one-hour aerobic exercise did not cause similar endorphin release.
However, such moderate exercise did result in pleasurable feelings and euphoria, which are linked to endorphin release.
Researchers involved in the study found that at high intensities of exercise, the release of endorphins appears to be linked to increased negative feelings and pain, which may be required to manage the physically and emotionally demanding challenge.
The Turku team think that this exercise-induced endorphin release might determine whether we maintain motivation during exercise, pushing ourselves to continue working out despite physical and emotional pain or exhaustion.
To carry out the study, participants were injected with a radioactive compound that binds to their brain's opioid receptors.
Radioactivity in the brain was measured with the PET scanner in three conditions: after a 60-min aerobic moderate-intensity exercise session, after a HIIT session and finally while resting.
Recreation Assistant (Dry Site)
Party Leader
Cleaning Assistant
Duty Manager
Duty Manager
Team Leader (Harrow School Fitness Club)
Centre Manager (Leisure)
Director of Operations
Fitness Motivator
Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard (NPLQ required)
Membership Manager
Recreation Assistant
Swim Teacher
Swim Teacher
Chief Executive Officer, Mount Batten Centre
Swimming Teacher
Swimming Teacher
Company profile
Featured Supplier
Property & Tenders
Company: Knight Frank
Company: Belvoir Castle
Company: AVISON YOUNG
Company: London Borough of Bexley
Company: Forestry England