Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
10:16
Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World
Published on: April 7, 2020
Diurnal cortisol patterns are associated with physical performance in the Caerphilly Prospective Study
Michael P Gardner1, Stafford L Lightman, John Gallacher
1School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, Bristol, UK.
International Journal of Epidemiology
|July 19, 2011
Summary
Cortisol levels over time are linked to physical decline in aging men. Higher nighttime cortisol in later life correlates with slower walking speed and poorer balance, indicating HPA axis dysregulation impacts aging.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Cross-sectional studies suggest a link between elevated cortisol and diminished physical performance, a marker of aging.
- This study investigates the longitudinal relationship between repeated cortisol measurements over two decades and physical performance in older age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between long-term cortisol patterns and physical performance in later life.
- To explore the role of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis in the aging process and its impact on physical function.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of middle-aged men (45-59 years) from the Caerphilly Prospective Study (CaPS) re-examined 20 years later.
- Cortisol levels assessed via morning serum (Phase 1) and multiple daily salivary samples (Phase 5).
- Physical performance measured by walking speed and balance time.
Main Results:
- Higher morning cortisol in middle age was initially associated with faster walking speed, but this effect diminished after covariate adjustment.
- Elevated nighttime cortisol in later life was significantly associated with slower walking speed and poorer balance.
- The worst physical performance was observed in men exhibiting a blunted morning cortisol response and reduced nocturnal cortisol decline.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis is associated with poorer physical performance in older age.
- This association may indicate a causal role of the HPA axis in aging or suggest that aging itself leads to reduced HPA axis reactivity.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
Circadian rhythms are cyclic changes that are crucial in plasma drug concentrations. Various standard circadian parameters, including core body temperature, heart rate, and other cardiovascular factors, directly impact disease states and the therapeutic response to drug therapy.
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent years,...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...