Endocannabinoid and Mood Responses to Exercise in Adults with Varying Activity Levels

Acute aerobic exercise improves mood and activates the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in physically active individuals; however, both mood and eCB responses to exercise may vary based on habitual levels of physical activity. Purpose: This study aimed to examine eCB and mood responses to prescribed and preferred exercises among individuals with low, moderate, and high levels of physical activity. Methods: Thirty-six healthy adults (21 ± 4 yr) were recruited from low (≤60 min moderate–vigorous physical activity [MVPA] per week), moderate (150–299 min MVPA per week), and high (≥300 MVPA per week) physical activity groups. Participants performed both prescribed (approximately 70%–75% max) and preferred (i.e., self-selected) aerobic exercise on separate days. Mood states and eCB concentrations were assessed before and after exercise conditions. Results: Both preferred and prescribed exercise resulted in significant increases (P

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