Article
Details
Citation
Heaney JLJ, Carroll D & Phillips AC (2014) Physical Activity, Life Events Stress, Cortisol, and DHEA: Preliminary Findings That Physical Activity May Buffer Against the Negative Effects of Stress. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 22 (4), pp. 465-473. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2012-0082
Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between habitual physical activity, life events stress, the diurnal rhythms of cortisol
and DHEA, and the cortisol:dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) ratio in older adults. Thirty-six participants aged ≥ 65 reported
their habitual physical activity, and indicated if a particular event happened to them in the past year (stress incidence) and how
stressful they perceived the event to be (stress severity). Older adults with higher stress severity demonstrated a significantly
higher cortisol:DHEA ratio. Individuals with higher stress incidence scores and who did not participate in aerobic exercise had
a significantly higher cortisol:DHEA ratio and flatter DHEA diurnal rhythm compared with those who regularly participated in
aerobic exercise. In conclusion, life events stress may have a negative impact on the cortisol:DHEA ratio in older adults. Under
conditions of high stress exposure, exercise may protect older adults from an increased cortisol:DHEA ratio and flatter DHEA
diurnal rhythm.
Keywords
cortisol; DHEA ratio; diurnal; physical activity; life events stress; older adults;
Journal
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity: Volume 22, Issue 4
Status | Published |
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Funders | |
Publication date | 31/01/2014 |
Publication date online | 31/01/2014 |
Date accepted by journal | 01/10/2013 |
URL | |
Publisher | Human Kinetics |
ISSN | 1063-8652 |
eISSN | 1543-267X |
People (1)
Professor of Behavioural Medicine, Sport