Abstract
Background: Cross-sectional studies have suggested that elevated cortisol is associated with worse physical performance, a surrogate of ageing. We
examined the relationship between repeat cortisol measures over 20 years and physical performance in later life.
Methods: Middle-aged men (45–59 years) were recruited between 1979 and 1983 (Phase 1) from the Caerphilly Prospective Study (CaPS) and re-examined 20 years later at 65–83 years of age(Phase 5). Participants included 750 and 898 subjects with either Phase 1 and/or Phase 5 data on exposure and outcomes. Outcome measures were walking speed and balance time and exposures included morning fasting serum cortisol (Phase 1) and four salivary samples on 2 consecutive days (Phase 5).
Results: Faster walking speed was associated with higher morning cortisol at Phase 1 [coefficient per standard deviation (SD) increase 0.68,95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.09–1.27; P=0.02] though this was attenuated after adjustment for covariates (coefficient per SD increase 0.45; 95% CI –0.16 to 1.07; P=0.15). Higher night-time
cortisol at Phase 5 was associated with slower speed (coefficient per SD increase –1.06; 95% CI –1.60 to –0.52; P
Translated title of the contribution | Diurnal cortisol patterns are associated with physical performance in the Caerphilly Prospective Study |
---|---|
Original language | English |
Pages (from-to) | 1693 - 1702 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | International Journal of Epidemiology |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2011 |
Keywords
- Mobility Limitation
- Hydrocortisone
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System
- Humans
- Aging
- Walking
- Aged
- Body Mass Index
- Pituitary-Adrenal System
- Postural Balance
- Smoking
- Prospective Studies
- Circadian Rhythm
- Aged, 80 and over
- Middle Aged
- Saliva
- Male