ABSTRACT
In addition to the endorphin (chapter 10) and monoamine (chapters 11 and 12) hypotheses advanced as the reasons for improved mood states associated with physical activity, there has been speculation about the role of other physiological factors in this process. One potential mechanism that has been studied involves the elevation in deep body temperature that occurs with physical activity. The hypothesis that increased core temperature may be responsible for the mediation of changes in mood following exercise does not rule out a potential role for endorphin and monoamine activity in this process. The thermogenic hypothesis of exercise-induced mood effects is reviewed in this chapter.
