Plasma levels of beta-endorphin and serotonin in response to specific spinal based exercises

Abstract

The results of this study showed that spinal stabilisation and treadmill walking exercises produced significant increase in plasma serotonin levels (P < 0.05) however there were no significant changes in the plasma levels of beta-endorphin in all the exercise groups (P > 0.05).It could be that biochemical effects associated with stabilisation and treadmill walking exercises therefore may involve production of serotonin and its release into the plasma.

A Randomized Controlled Trial (Rct) on the Effects of Frequency Of Application Of Spinal Stabilisation Exercises On Plasma Serotonin Levels In Participants With Chronic Low Back Pain

“…A model of stabilization exercise programme presented in this study began with audio visual information related to the spine and how the spine and local stability muscles work together to protect the spine was provided to aid mental imagery of correct performance prior to carrying out proper stabilization exercise protocol. Stabilization exercise protocols used in this study were similar to the one used in the previously reported studies 2,3,5 Control Group Participants allocated to the control group received no exercise treatment during the time the study was carried out.…”

“…A recent focus in the physiotherapy management of chronic low back pain has been to identify specific muscles that are best able to stabilize the back and to carry out spinal stabilization exercises to enhance those muscles whose primary function is considered dynamic stabilization and segmental control of the spine 2 . Currently there is evidence demonstrating the efficacy of stabilization exercises on pain, functional disability and quality of life in sufferers with acute and chronic low back disorders 2 .The effects of stabilization exercise approach may be multifactorial involving physiological, psychological and other mechanisms yet to be well investigated 3 . The likelihood of muscular contraction during spinal stabilization exercises providing sensory input to activate different pain inhibitory mechanisms appeared to have been suggested to little investigation.…”

“…It is generally accepted that serotonin is involved in the mechanism of exercises induced analgesia 4 . Recent preliminary studies suggested an increase in the plasma level of serotonin produced with the use of stabilization exercises as one of the main facilitation techniques behind the efficacy of stabilization exercises 3,5 . However the question of what is an appropriate dosage of treatment that can be expected to achieve a desired outcome in terms of plasma serotonin levels were not addressed in Sokunbi et al's studies 3,5 .…”

“…Recent preliminary studies suggested an increase in the plasma level of serotonin produced with the use of stabilization exercises as one of the main facilitation techniques behind the efficacy of stabilization exercises 3,5 . However the question of what is an appropriate dosage of treatment that can be expected to achieve a desired outcome in terms of plasma serotonin levels were not addressed in Sokunbi et al's studies 3,5 . Also, there is dearth need for a large randomized controlled trials with more participants with low back pain in order to make the study more generalizable to population of patients that suffer with low back pain.…”

“…The blood was then centrifuged at 1600xg for 15 minutes. Extraction of peptides and assaying for the level of plasma serotonin was carried out according to the instruction of the manufacturer and in a similar way as described by Sokunbi et al 3,5 . After the initial blood taking participants in the exercise groups were asked to rest for another 5 minutes to observe for any changes in the cardiovascular parameters prior to commencing any further physical activities.…”