Regular aerobic exercise can protect against chronic stress by reducing the long-term production of cortisol, the main stress hormone. Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh came to this conclusion. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Sports and Health Science (JSHS).
The clinical study involved 130 healthy adults who had not previously exercised. They were divided into two groups. one did at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week (including brisk walking, jogging, or stationary cycling) for a year, while the other maintained a normal lifestyle.
To assess stress levels, scientists used an unusual method: hair cortisol analysis. Unlike blood or saliva, this indicator reflects the cumulative level of hormones over several months and allows you to assess chronic stress.
After one year, participants who regularly engaged in physical activity had lower cortisol levels than the control group. This indicates a decrease in the overall level of "background" stress in the body.
The authors explain this effect with the so-called cross-adaptation hypothesis. regular physical activity trains the cardiovascular and nervous systems, making them less sensitive to not only physical but also psychological stress. As a result, the body reacts more calmly to stressful situations.
However, no significant changes were observed in other parameters—cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, inflammation, or the brain's response to acute stress. Scientists emphasize that physical activity does not completely eliminate stress, but it can reduce its long-term impact on the body and thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular and mental diseases.
