Effects of aerobic training on c-reactive protein in older adults: a synthesis of evidence

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9789/2175-5361.rpcfo.v18.14526

Keywords:

Aged, Endurance Training, C-reactive protein

Abstract

Objective: to synthesize evidence on the effects of aerobic training (AT) on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in healthy older adults. Method: this is an integrative review with searches conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and LILACS databases. Results: a total of 1,388 records were identified, and 119 were excluded due to duplication. In the end, six studies were included, most of them randomized clinical trials, conducted in South Korea, Portugal, Japan, the United States, and New Zealand, totaling 390 participants (156 men and 234 women). All studies reported reductions in CRP following AT, although only 67% showed a statistically significant effect. Longer (≥16 weeks) and progressive interventions were more effective, especially among individuals with elevated baseline inflammation. Body composition did not consistently explain the observed reductions. Conclusion: AT reduces CRP levels in older adults, particularly in long-term programs and among participants with high CRP, reinforcing its role in attenuating aging-related inflammation.

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Author Biographies

Marckson da Silva Paula, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Master’s Student in Nursing and Biosciences – Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)

 

Nilber Soares Ramos, Military Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro (PMERJ)

Postgraduate in Sports Training and Exercise Physiology – Castelo Branco University

 

Wesley Mascarenhas dos Santos, Military Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro (PMERJ)

Master in Rehabilitation Sciences – Augusto Motta University Center (UNISUAM)

   

Ronaldo Lins Meira, Tiradentes University (UNIT)

Master in Health and Environment – Tiradentes University (UNIT)

 

Rodrigo Gomes de Souza Vale , State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ)

PhD in Health Sciences – Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)

 

Estélio Henrique Martin Dantas, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

PhD in Physical Education from the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ)

 

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Published

2026-02-24

How to Cite

1.
da Silva Paula M, Soares Ramos N, Mascarenhas dos Santos W, Lins Meira R, Gomes de Souza Vale R, Martin Dantas EH. Effects of aerobic training on c-reactive protein in older adults: a synthesis of evidence. Rev. Pesqui. (Univ. Fed. Estado Rio J., Online) [Internet]. 2026Feb.24 [cited 2026Feb.28];18:e-14526. Available from: https://seer.unirio.br/cuidadofundamental/article/view/14526

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Section

Integrative Review of the Literature

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