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Overtraining may alter brain chemistry, study finds
A new study published in the journal Neuroscience suggests that excessive physical exercise, or overtraining, can alter the chemical regulation of the brain. Researchers from the University of São Paulo and the University of Campinas in Brazil found that exhaustive training without adequate rest appears to affect dopamine regulation in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory and emotional regulation.
In experiments conducted on mice, scientists observed that dopamine levels, which are essential for alertness and motivation, remained elevated even during periods intended for rest. The researchers noted that this neurochemical fluctuation could explain why athletes suffering from overtraining often experience anxiety, insomnia, and chronic fatigue.
Furthermore, the study indicated that when dopamine production is excessive, it may be linked to increased brain inflammation. While classical theories of central fatigue often focus on serotonin, this research highlights dopamine as a primary driver of the neurochemical changes associated with extreme physical exertion.
Entities
Alisson Luiz da Rocha · FAPESP · Neuroscience · University of Campinas · University of São Paulo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Excessive physical activity may alter dopamine regulation in the hippocampus. citynotizie.it · lamilano.it · www.lsdmagazine.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The study was published in the journal Neuroscience. citynotizie.it · lamilano.it · www.lsdmagazine.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] In mouse experiments, dopamine levels remained high during rest periods following intense exercise. citynotizie.it · lamilano.it · www.lsdmagazine.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Alisson Luiz da Rocha led the research at the University of São Paulo. citynotizie.it · lamilano.it · www.lsdmagazine.com