Testosterone, cortisol: testosterone ratio and physical performance in later life: results from the caerphilly prospective study (CAPS) [Abstract]

Gardner, M., Smith, G. D., Lightman, S., Gallacher, John Edward ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2394-5299, Kuh, D., Ebrahim, S. and Bayer, Antony James ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7514-248X 2011. Testosterone, cortisol: testosterone ratio and physical performance in later life: results from the caerphilly prospective study (CAPS) [Abstract]. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 65 (S1) , A186. 10.1136/jech.2011.142976g.19

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Abstract

Introduction Testosterone levels fall with age hence men with higher levels may show better physical performance in later life, though current evidence is inconsistent. An elevated cortisol to testosterone ratio has been associated with metabolic dysfunction and may reflect chronic stress. No previous study has looked at the cortisol to testosterone (C/T) ratio and physical performance in later life. We examined the relationship between total testosterone, C/T ratio and physical performance in later life. Methods Middle-aged men (45–59 years) were recruited between 1979 and 1983 as part of the Caerphilly Prospective Study and had cortisol and testosterone measured from morning fasting serum. They were followed-up for approximately 20 years and then had their walking speed and balance time measured. 748 and 848 participants had data on C/T ratio and testosterone respectively and physical performance measures. Results Higher morning testosterone was associated with faster walking speed (0.56 metres/min, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.07; age-adjusted), though this was attenuated when fully adjusted (0.38 metres/min, 95% CI −0.19 to 0.95). Higher testosterone was weakly associated with the worst quintile of balance (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.08). There was no evidence of an association between C/T ratio measures and either walking speed or balance. Conclusion Higher total testosterone in mid-life was associated with faster walking speed in later life but this was not seen with the C/T ratio. These findings provide limited support for a role of testosterone levels in maintenance of mobility in older age but require replication in further studies.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Medicine Systems Immunity Research Institute (SIURI)
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Additional Information:	Poster session
Publisher:	BMJ Group
ISSN:	0143-005X
Last Modified:	20 Oct 2022 08:34
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/28800

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