Higher physical activity levels and less sedentary time are associated with more robust diurnal cortisol rhythms in colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months post-treatment.
In 74 colorectal cancer survivors, more total sedentary time (per 2 hours/day) was associated with a flatter cortisol slope (β=0.19; 95%CI=0.06,0.33) and higher cortisol awakening response (β=0.14; 95%CI=0.01,0.27). More total physical activity (per 1 hour/day) was associated with higher relative amplitude of cortisol (β=0.23; 95%CI=0.03,0.43), indicating more robust diurnal rhythms.
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Higher physical activity levels and less sedentary time are associated with more robust diurnal cortisol rhythms in colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Higher physical activity levels and less sedentary time are associated with more robust diurnal cortisol rhythms in colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months post-treatment.
This conclusion is most relevant to: 74 colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months after cancer treatment.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Sedentary behavior and physical activity are longitudinally associated with diurnal cortisol rhythms in individuals up to 1 year after colorectal cancer treatment: A prospective cohort study. (Research square, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Sedentary behavior increases sedentary time
- ▸Sedentary time is associated with flatter cortisol slope and lower cortisol amplitude
- ▸Physical activity increases day-night contrast in activity
- ▸Higher physical activity and less sedentary time are associated with more robust diurnal cortisol rhythms
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸74 colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months after cancer treatment
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Small sample size (n=74) limits generalizability
- ▸Observational design cannot establish causality
- ▸Potential residual confounding despite adjustment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of this study?▼
More sedentary time is linked to flatter cortisol slopes and higher cortisol awakening response, while more physical activity is linked to more robust diurnal cortisol rhythms in colorectal cancer survivors.
How was sedentary behavior measured?▼
Sedentary time was measured using thigh-worn accelerometers over 7 days at three timepoints: 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after cancer treatment.
What does a flatter cortisol slope indicate?▼
A flatter cortisol slope indicates a less robust diurnal rhythm, which is associated with fatigue, depressive symptoms, and poorer quality of life.
Can these results be used to design interventions?▼
Yes, the authors suggest that reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity may be targets for interventions aimed at improving cortisol rhythmicity after colorectal cancer treatment.
References
- 1.Frenken KG, Scheer FAJL, Qian J, Bours MJL, Breukink SO, Janssen-Heijnen MLG, Konsten J, Keulen ETP, Bons JAP, Meijer K, Steindorf K, de Vos-Geelen J, Weijenberg MP, Buffart LM, van Roekel EH. “Sedentary behavior and physical activity are longitudinally associated with diurnal cortisol rhythms in individuals up to 1 year after colorectal cancer treatment: A prospective cohort study..” Research square, 2026. PMID: 42523521 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-10268142/v1