RESUMEN
Introduction: Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that has an extremely harmful effect on the nervous system, compromising the individual's health. This study aimed to investigate the changes of blood levels of endorphin, serotonin and dopamine and some physical health variables following a period of aerobic training in men with history of addiction to methamphetamine
Materials and Methods: Thirty men with history of addiction to methamphetamine were purposefully selected and randomly divided into two groups of experimental [n=15] and control [n=15]. The experimental group took part in aerobic training on sand for 8 weeks, 3 days a week, with an intensity of 60-75% of maximum heart rate, while the control group had no physical activity. Circulating levels of serotonin, dopamine and endorphin, body mass index [BMI], waist-tohip ratio [WHR], body fat percentage and cardio-respiratory were measured before and 24 hours after the last training session. To measure levels of neurotransmitters, 5 ml blood was collected from the brachial vein of subjects
Results: Eight weeks of aerobic training increased circulating levels of serotonin, dopamine, endorphin and, cardio-respiratory significantly in the experimental group, compared to controls [P<0.05], while body fat percentage, BMI and WHR did not change significantly [P>0.05]
Conclusion: Aerobic training can beneficially impact circulatory levels of serotonin, dopamine and endorphin and cardio-respiratory endurance, both for improving the physical status and health of men with history of addiction to methamphetamine and as a non-drug treatment during rehabilitation