Endocannabinoid and psychological responses to acute resistance exercise in trained and untrained adults

This study examined the effects of acute resistance exercise on circulating endocannabinoid (eCB) and mood responses in trained and untrained healthy adults. Thirty-two healthy adults (22.1 ± 2.9 years) were recruited from trained (reporting resistance exercise at least twice per week for [greater than or equal to] previous three months) and untrained (performing no resistance exercise for [greater than or equal to] previous three months) groups. Participants (13 male, 19 female) completed three sets of resistance exercise (16 repetitions at 50% 1-repetition max, 12 repetitions at 70% 1-repetition max, 8 repetitions at 80% 1-repetition max). Resistance machines targeted the legs, chest, back, and abdominal muscles. Mood states, affect, and circulating eCB concentrations were evaluated before and after resistance exercise. There were significant decreases in AEA, PEA, and OEA levels following acute resistance exercise (p