Concept2 Forum

Biol. Lett. 23 February 2010 vol. 6 no. 1 106-108

Rowers' high: behavioural synchrony is correlated with elevated pain thresholds
1. Emma E. A. Cohen1,*,
2. Robin Ejsmond-Frey1,
3. Nicola Knight1,† and
4. R. I. M. Dunbar1,2
+ Author Affiliations
1
Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology
, University of Oxford,
64 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6PN
, UK
2.
2
British Academy Centenary Research Project
, Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Oxford,
64 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6PN
, UK

1. *Author for correspondence (emma.cohen@anthro.ox.ac.uk).

Abstract

Physical exercise is known to stimulate the release of endorphins, creating a mild sense of euphoria that has rewarding properties. Using pain tolerance (a conventional non-invasive assay for endorphin release), we show that synchronized training in a college rowing crew creates a heightened endorphin surge compared with a similar training regime carried out alone. This heightened effect from synchronized activity may explain the sense of euphoria experienced during other social activities (such as laughter, music-making and dancing) that are involved in social bonding in humans and possibly other vertebrates.

jliddil wrote: Abstract
This heightened effect from synchronized activity may explain the sense of euphoria experienced during other social activities (such as laughter, music-making and dancing) that are involved in social bonding in humans and possibly other vertebrates.

Might this include gym gorillas?

Bob S.

This heightened effect from synchronized activity may explain the sense of euphoria experienced during other social activities (such as laughter, music-making and dancing) that are involved in social bonding in humans and possibly other vertebrates.

Wowow, that's a sudden big jump to a generalizing conclusion. Also, how does this research compare to other literature?

Isn't this old news? I have a question for the scientists. Addictive behavior has been associated with high levels of dopamine. I wonder if addicts respond as well to training as to alcohol and drugs?

Frihed89 wrote:Isn't this old news? I have a question for the scientists. Addictive behavior has been associated with high levels of dopamine. I wonder if addicts respond as well to training as to alcohol and drugs?

In general yes you substitute exercise for drugs. To a large extent it depends on how a person is wired. Addictive personalities seek out a certain feeling/euphoria/rush.

I take from this more about the social aspect something a certain poster on this forum has no real sense of