Acute Effect of Resistance Exercise on Serum Cortisol and its Correlation to Blood Glucose in Healthy Non Obese Adults: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Different types and intensity of resistance training/ exercises lead to variable cortisol responses, which is essential for growth and homeostasis on short term and long term basis. But the variable responses are not accurately defined to be of any help in tailoring one’s exercise program. Aim: To study the effect of resistance exercise on serum cortisol and its correlation to blood glucose in healthy non obese subjects. Materials and Methods: It was an experimental analytical pilot study extending from February 2017-July 2018 involving 48 healthy non obese subjects (24 males and 24 females) of age group 18-25 years, were enrolled in the study after the screening protocol. High volume exercise training regimen was used involving major muscle group of arms, legs and trunk. Regime involved five exercises with three sets. Between each set, subjects took 30 seconds rest and with each exercise, a rest period of one minute. Height, weight were measured to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) and serum blood glucose was done along with serum cortisol. Results: The serum cortisol levels in males in pre-exercise group was 145.47±33.67 μg/dL while postexercise group had 116.57±34.40 μg/dL reflecting moderately significant decrease (p<0.01). The serum cortisol levels in females in pre-exercise group were 141.83±38.38 μg/dL while in postexercise group 118.46±35.53 μg/dL with a moderately significant decrease (p<0.01). The Random Blood Sugar (RBS) levels in both males and females postexercise was significantly increased (p<0.05). There was decrease in serum cortisol levels in comparison to rise in RBS in both genders, a highly significant decrease (p<0.001) in males in comparison to moderately significant decrease (p<0.05) in females. Conclusion: Resistance exercise induced decrease in cortisol hormone and its interplay with serum glucose can be better understood by multivariate/elaborate studies on a large sample size.