The Link between Hair Cortisol Levels and Physical Activity in a Study of Young Adolescents
Loading...
Date
2018-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
This study explored associations between different levels of physical activity and cortisol levels
in hair among adolescents. Although research has found that physical activity can be beneficial
for reducing illness and stress in populations, studies have found a correlation between strenuous
physical activity and elevated salivary and hair cortisol levels. This study employs secondary
analysis of data from a representative sub-sample of 534 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years who
participated in two linked NIH funded studies on the health and well-being of urban adolescents.
Through an in-home survey, youth were asked three questions on the intensity and volume of
physical activity from the previous week, rating from mild to strenuous physical activity, and the
number of days the activity was done. The three variables – mild, moderate and strenuous
activity - were analyzed via regression analyses as continuous measures to assess linear
associations. No significant linear relationships were found with this analysis, therefore the
recommended reference range of exercising 6-7 times a week was compared to exercise
categories based on frequency of activity (never, 1-3 times weekly, 4-5 times weekly, and 8 or
more times weekly) . The results found that hair cortisol levels were significantly higher in
adolescents who strenuously exercised eight times or more a week in comparison to those who
strenuously exercised 6-7 hours per week as recommended(p<0.05). For moderate physical
activity, all frequencies of exercise had marginally or significantly higher hair cortisol levels than
those who exercised six to seven times a week. No relationships were found between hair
cortisol and mild physical activity. The data suggest that strenuous or moderate physical activity
over eight times a week was correlated with higher hair cortisol levels compared to the
recommended amount of daily exercise. In addition, the data found that those who do not engage
in any moderate physical activity had higher hair cortisol levels compared to the reference range.
This suggests that hair cortisol might be an important biomarker in the research of studying the
effects of physical activity on physiological measures of stress.
Description
Denman Research Forum 2018: Second Place in the Cognitive and Brain Sciences
Keywords
hair cortisol, stress, physical activity, adolescents