Hormonal Function Responses to Moderate Aerobic Exercise in Older Adults with Depression

• Main Authors: Alghadir AH, Gabr SA
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2020
• Subjects: adrenal function; depression; lpta; aerobic exercise; poms; Geriatrics; RC952-954.6; sami
• Online Access: https://doaj.org/article/e20c5123069d47e19907abbcc865ee08

Ahmad H Alghadir ,1 Sami A Gabr 1 Rehabilitation Research Chair (RRC), College of Applied Medical Sciences (CAMS), King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Sami A GabrRehabilitation Research Chair (RRC), College of Applied Medical Sciences (CAMS), King Saud University, P.O. Box 10219, Riyadh 11433, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaTel [phone]Fax [phone]Email [e-mail]: Poor daily life physical activities among older people were related to depressive mood especially memory loss. In addition to that, the change in physical ability is significantly associated with the score of depression among older age.Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a supervised aerobic training program with moderate intensity for 12 weeks on mood profiles and hormonal levels of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) of older adults.Methods: A total of 80 individuals of both gender (90 males, 110 females) of ages ranged between 65 and 95 years were recruited for this study. Based upon the profile of mood states (POMS) analysis, the participants were classified into two groups: control group (n=30) and depressive group (n=50). Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), adrenal hormones such as ACTH, corticosterone (CORT), cortisol, DHEA/S, and cortisol:DHEA/S ratio were measured at baseline and post-intervention of moderate aerobic exercise for 12 weeks.Results: Older adults with higher depressive scores showed a remarkable change in the level of adrenal hormones compared to control. There was a significant increase in the level of ACTH, CORT, cortisol, and cortisol:DHEA/S ratio, and decrease in DHEA/S. Compared to females, males showed an improvement in depressive mood score along with an increase in LPTA, DHEA/S and decrease in ACTH, CORT, cortisol, cortisol:DHEA/S ratio following 12 weeks of supervised aerobic training, respectively.Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that 12 weeks of supervised exercise interventions are promising non-drug ...