Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
07:28
Psychophysically-anchored, Robust Thresholding in Studying Pain-related Lateralization of Oscillatory Prestimulus Activity
Published on: January 21, 2017
Rowers' high: behavioural synchrony is correlated with elevated pain thresholds
Emma E A Cohen1, Robin Ejsmond-Frey, Nicola Knight
1Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Oxford, , 64 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6PN, UK. emma.cohen@anthro.ox.ac.uk
Biology Letters
|September 17, 2009
Summary
Synchronized physical exercise, like rowing with a team, boosts endorphin release more than exercising alone. This heightened endorphin surge may explain the euphoria found in social bonding activities.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Social neuroscience
Background:
- Physical exercise stimulates endorphin release, leading to euphoria and reward.
- Endorphins are endogenous opioids associated with mood regulation and pain relief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if synchronized training enhances endorphin release compared to solitary training.
- To explore the neurobiological basis of euphoria in social bonding activities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pain tolerance as a non-invasive assay for endorphin release.
- Compared endorphin levels in a college rowing crew during synchronized training versus individual training.
Main Results:
- Synchronized training in a rowing crew induced a significantly greater endorphin surge than individual training.
- Pain tolerance was elevated following synchronized rowing sessions.
Conclusions:
- Synchronized physical activity amplifies endorphin release, contributing to a heightened sense of euphoria.
- This finding provides a potential neurobiological explanation for the rewarding aspects of social bonding and group activities.
