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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Collecting Hair Samples for Hair Cortisol Analysis in African Americans

Collecting Hair Samples for Hair Cortisol Analysis in African Americans

Published on: June 10, 2018

Relationship between cortisol and physical performance in older persons.

G M E E Peeters¹, N M van Schoor, M Visser

¹EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Clinical Endocrinology

|June 9, 2007

Summary

High cortisol levels are linked to poorer physical performance in older adults. This study found that increased cortisol negatively impacts strength and mobility in both men and women.

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Area of Science:

Gerontology
Endocrinology
Human Physiology

Background:

Hypercortisolism is a known factor contributing to muscle weakness.
Understanding the impact of cortisol on physical function in aging populations is crucial for maintaining independence.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the cross-sectional relationship between cortisol levels and physical performance in a large, population-based cohort of older individuals.
To determine if sex differences exist in the association between cortisol and physical performance.

Main Methods:

Utilized data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) with 1172 and 884 participants in two cycles.
Physical performance assessed via chair stands, tandem stand, and walk test. Cortisol levels measured through serum and salivary samples.
Regression analyses, stratified by sex and adjusted for covariates, were employed to analyze the associations.

Main Results:

Higher calculated free cortisol in women correlated with poorer physical performance, particularly the tandem stand.
Elevated salivary cortisol in men was associated with reduced performance in chair stands and walk tests.
These findings indicate a negative impact of elevated cortisol on specific physical performance measures in older adults.

Conclusions:

Physical performance is negatively associated with elevated cortisol levels in older persons.
The results highlight the potential role of cortisol dysregulation in age-related physical decline.