Physical Activity Influences Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone (Sulfate) Levels in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Citation

De Nys L, Ofosu EF, Ryde GC, Connelly J & Whittaker AC (2022) Physical Activity Influences Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone (Sulfate) Levels in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2021-0501

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.

Keywords
exercise; physical fitness; healthy aging; chronic stress; aged 65 and over

Notes
Output Status: Forthcoming/Available Online

Journal
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

People

Dr Jenni Connelly

Senior Lecturer, Sport

Doctor Len De Nys

PhD Researcher, Sport

Miss Esther Oyebola

Tutor, Sport

Professor Anna Whittaker

Professor of Behavioural Medicine, Sport