The effect of physical therapy on beta-endorphin levels.

Authors: Bender T (1) , Nagy G (1) , Barna I (2) , Tefner I (3) , Kádas E (4) , Géher P (1)
Affiliations:
(1) Polyclinic of the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God (2) Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (3) National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy (4) ‘Anna’ Spa, Szeged
Source: Eur J Appl Physiol. 2007 Jul;100(4):371-82
DOI: 10.1007/s00421-007-0469-9 Publication date: 2007 Jul E-Publication date: May 5, 2007 Availability: abstract Copyright: © 2007, Springer-Verlag
Language: English Countries: Not specified Location: Not specified Correspondence address: Bender T : bender@mail.datanet.hu

Keywords

Article abstract

Beta-endorphin (betaE) is an important reliever of pain. Various stressors and certain modalities of physiotherapy are potent inducers of the release of endogenous betaE to the blood stream. Most forms of exercise also increase blood betaE level, especially when exercise intensity involves reaching the anaerobic threshold and is associated with the elevation of serum lactate level. Age, gender, and mental activity during exercise also may influence betaE levels. Publications on the potential stimulating effect of manual therapy and massage on betaE release are controversial. Sauna, mud bath, and thermal water increase betaE levels through conveying heat to the tissues. The majority of the techniques for electrical stimulation have a similar effect, which is exerted both centrally and--to a lesser extent--peripherally. However, the parameters of electrotherapy have not yet been standardised. The efficacy of analgesia and the improvement of general well-being do not necessarily correlate with betaE level. Although in addition to blood, increased brain and cerebrospinal fluid betaE levels are also associated with pain, the majority of studies have concerned blood betaE levels. In general, various modalities of physical therapy might influence endorphin levels in the serum or in the cerebrospinal fluid--this is usually manifested by elevation with potential mitigation of pain. However, a causal relationship between the elevation of blood, cerebrospinal fluid or brain betaE levels and the onset of the analgesic action cannot be demonstrated with certainty.

Find it online