Physical activity influences cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (sulfate) levels in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

De Nys, L., Ofosu, E. F., Ryde, G. C. , Connelly, J. and Whittaker, A. C. (2023) Physical activity influences cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (sulfate) levels in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 31(2), pp. 330-351. (doi: 10.1123/japa.2021-0501) (PMID:35981715)

Abstract

Age-related changes affect the ratio between two steroid hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (sulfate) (DHEA[S]). Physical activity (PA) may buffer the effects of chronic stress and counteract the aging decline of DHEA(S). Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to understand how PA influences physiological markers of cortisol and/or DHEA(S) and whether there is a difference in observational associations or experimental effects in older adults aged 65 years and older. A narrative synthesis was performed on nine observational studies, and meta-analyses were performed on 22 randomized controlled trials. There was low- to moderate-quality evidence that regular PA beneficially reduces cortisol and increases DHEA(S) levels. Subgroup analyses showed no clinically important differences between men and women, different exercise modalities, or health states. The findings cautiously suggest that regular PA of older adults’ own choice that they find enjoyable could be recommended to improve cortisol and/or DHEA(S) levels.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Physical fitness, aged 65 and over, exercise, healthy aging, chronic stress.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ryde, Dr Gemma
• Authors: De Nys, L., Ofosu, E. F., Ryde, G. C., Connelly, J., and Whittaker, A. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
• Publisher: Human Kinetics
• ISSN: 1063-8652
• ISSN (Online): 1543-267X
• Published Online: 17 August 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 Human Kinetics
• First Published: First published in Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 31(2):330-351
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy