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Published on: July 5, 2017
Neuroendocrine system and mental function in sedentary and endurance-trained elderly males
H K Strüder1, W Hollmann, P Platen
1Institute of Sports Games, German Sport University, Cologne. strueder@hrz.dshs-koeln.de
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|May 20, 1999
Summary
Elderly endurance athletes show prolonged cortisol secretion after a hormonal challenge, unlike sedentary individuals. Aerobic training did not alter hormone profiles in sedentary older adults.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPAA) and -gonadal (HPGA) axes and cognitive function are affected by aging and physical training.
- Previous studies suggest altered HPAA and HPGA regulation in elderly subjects related to training status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate HPAA and HPGA regulation in elderly distance runners (RUN) and sedentary individuals (SED).
- To examine the effects of a 20-week aerobic training program on HPAA and HPGA in SED individuals.
- To assess cognitive functions related to HPAA and HPGA activity in RUN and SED groups.
Main Methods:
- Hormone profiles (ACTH, cortisol, LH, FSH, testosterone) were measured in basal, dexamethasone-suppressed, and corticotropin-releasing hormone/luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulated states.
- Hormonal responses to exercise challenge and cognitive functions were assessed in RUN and SED (pre- and post-training).
Main Results:
- Basal hormone profiles and responses to dexamethasone/releasing hormone stimulation did not differ between RUN and SED (pre-training), except for lower basal free testosterone in RUN.
- Elderly runners exhibited prolonged cortisol secretion after dexamethasone/releasing hormone challenge compared to sedentary individuals.
- Aerobic training did not alter basal hormone profiles in sedentary individuals, but increased ACTH response to dexamethasone/releasing hormone stimulation.
- No significant differences in cognitive functions (long/short-term memory) were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Elderly endurance athletes display a prolonged glucocorticoid secretion pattern following hormonal challenge, suggesting altered HPAA regulation.
- Reduced corticotropic sensitivity to negative feedback is not consistently induced by chronic exercise stress in the elderly.
- Lower free testosterone in runners is not linked to altered luteinizing hormone synthesis or secretion capacity.
