Effect of Physical Exercise on Catecholamine Levels in Individuals Over 65 Years of Age

Abstract

Introduction: The physical and hormonal changes associated with aging can be facilitated by exercise via its effects on hormone release and adaptive responses in the body. The present study aims to investigate the impact of a six-week exercise program on catecholamine (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) levels in elderly individuals. Materials and method: This study included 20 sedentary elderly male volunteers aged 65–74 from a care center. The participants were divided into the experimental group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10) by randomized blind selection. A six-week physical exercise program was implemented in the experimental group, while the control group continued with their daily routine. Venous blood samples were taken from the forearm before the start of the exercise program (week 0) and 12 hours after the end of the exercise program to determine the levels of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine). Results: After the six-week exercise program, dopamine levels in the experimental group participants increased significantly compared to baseline levels (p < 0.05). In contrast, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels decreased after the program, but the change was insignificant (p>0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicate that the six-week exercise program implemented in this study significantly increased dopamine levels in older adults. In the future, the effects of exercise programs of varying duration and intensity should be examined to maintain metabolic and hormonal changes in elderly individuals at an optimum level. © 2024 by authors, all rights reserved.