Study aim: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week circuit-type resistance training program on performance changes and neurotransmitter disruptions induced by industrial opiate in previously addicted men.
Materials and methods: Thirty industrial opiate addicted men volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 15) and control groups (n = 15). The subjects in the experimental group performed circuit-type resistance training for 8 weeks, 3 days a week, with 40–75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), while the control group did not perform any training. Before and after the training period muscular strength (1RM of bench press) and muscle endurance (sit-ups), flexibility (sit-and-reach), body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and cardio-respiratory endurance were measured. In addition, blood samples were drawn 24 h before and after 8 weeks of training to analyze serum levels of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.
Results: In this study, 8 weeks of circuit-type resistance training led to significantly higher serum levels of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance in the experimental group compared to controls (P < 0.05), while flexibility, body fat percentage and WHR did not differ significantly (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: In conclusion, circuit resistance training can improve the serum levels of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, as well as indicators of health-related performance previously industrial opiate addicted men.
