Exercise interventions significantly increase plasma s-Klotho levels in healthy and diseased populations

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Journal of physiology and biochemistry Published May 2, 2026 Medically reviewed May 9, 2026 Study authors: de Oliveira Túlio Medina Dutra, Felício Diogo Carvalho, da Silva Ribeiro Taynara, Filho José Elias, … PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ By Dr. Ji-eun Park, MD · Brain, Mind & Pain

Key Takeaway

Exercise boosts s-Klotho levels, with resistance training showing the most significant impact in diseased populations.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of different exercise durations and types on plasma s-Klotho levels. Analyzing data from 2,765 participants, the study examined effects across acute, subacute, and chronic training regimens in both healthy individuals and those with chronic diseases.

Results indicate that acute and subacute aerobic sessions lead to significant increases in s-Klotho levels for both healthy and diseased groups. Specifically, healthy participants showed a standardized mean difference of 0.69, while diseased populations demonstrated an increase of 0.62.

Long-term training also yielded positive outcomes. Chronic exercise lasting 12 to 36 weeks increased s-Klotho levels in healthy subjects (SMD 0.57) and showed a much larger effect in diseased populations (SMD 1.51). Notably, resistance training performed three times weekly demonstrated the highest overall effect size of 1.60.

Despite these promising trends, clinicians should interpret findings with caution. The meta-analysis included both randomized and non-randomized studies, with evidence quality ranging from very low to moderate. Many included studies presented a high risk of bias and low methodological quality.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

Sample sizen = 2,765

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedMay 2026

PMID42067671

View Original Abstract ↓

Exercise exerts beneficial effects on multiple physiological systems, influencing biomarkers associated with aging processes and chronic diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the acute, subacute, and chronic effects of exercise on s-Klotho levels in healthy individuals and patients with chronic diseases. A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases. Included studies were randomized and non-randomized studies assessing the effects of aerobic, resistance, or combined exercise on s-Klotho levels. Interventions were classified as acute (single session), subacute (< 12 weeks), or chronic (≥ 12 weeks). Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools, and quality of evidence was evaluated with the GRADE framework. Forty-one studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 30 in the meta-analysis, comprising 2,765 participants (18-85 years). Twenty-five involved healthy individuals, while 21 included patients with chronic diseases. Acute and subacute aerobic exercise increased s-Klotho levels in healthy individuals (SMD 0.69; 95%CI 0.41-0.97) and diseased populations (SMD 0.62; 95%CI 0.11-1.12). Chronic exercise (12-36 weeks) showed significant increases in healthy (SMD 0.57; 95%CI 0.33-0.82) and diseased populations (SMD 1.51; 95%CI 0.87-2.16). Resistance exercise thrice weekly demonstrated the highest effect (SMD 1.60; 95%CI 0.81-2.38). Most studies had high risk of bias, with quality of evidence ranging from very low to moderate. Exercise significantly increases s-Klotho levels, with acute and subacute aerobic sessions benefiting healthy and diseased populations, while chronic resistance exercise elicited greater responses in diseased populations. Despite promising findings, low methodological quality suggests cautious interpretation.