Exercise training and circulating α-Klotho in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis
Across 14 randomized trials (n=893, ages 30–94), chronic training of at least 12 weeks was pooled to raise circulating soluble α-Klotho; resistance training and high-intensity interval training showed the most robust modality-specific effects. The authors call s-Klotho a promising biomarker of the exercise response, not a validated therapeutic target. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
Fourteen randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials with 893 participants aged 30 to 94 years were included. [1]
The pooled effect of chronic training of at least 12 weeks on soluble α-Klotho was Hedges' g = 1.20 (95% CI 0.85–1.55). [1]
The authors describe s-Klotho as a promising biomarker of the biological response to exercise rather than a validated therapeutic target. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials (abstract).
- Population / context
- Adults aged 30–94 years in 14 trials, with emphasis on people aged 60 and older and patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes or sarcopenia.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- September 3, 2026
Pooled trials on exercise and s-Klotho
The review asked whether exercise training changes circulating α-Klotho in adults, with emphasis on people aged 60 and older and on patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes or sarcopenia. The authors searched seven databases from inception to April 2025 and included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials that reported serum or plasma α-Klotho measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fourteen trials with 893 participants aged 30 to 94 years met the criteria. Effects were pooled with a random-effects model and expressed as Hedges' g or mean difference with 95% confidence intervals; heterogeneity was assessed with I2.
Supporting source [1]
Chronic training raised s-Klotho in pooled trials
For chronic training lasting at least 12 weeks, the pooled effect on soluble α-Klotho was Hedges' g = 1.20 (95% CI 0.85–1.55). The analysis also reported a reduction in fibroblast growth factor 23 (mean difference −102.07 pg/mL; 95% CI −176.23 to −27.91), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 97%). Resistance training and high-intensity interval training showed the most robust modality-specific effects, while combined aerobic-resistance programs were the least reproducible. In a subgroup of 69 pre-frail older adults (mean age 77 years), 12 weeks of classical resistance training, but not power training, significantly increased s-Klotho.
Supporting source [1]
Biomarker status and reference range remain open
The authors conclude that regular exercise, particularly resistance training and high-intensity interval training, can be considered a consistent stimulus for increasing circulating α-Klotho across diverse adult populations. They stress that circulating s-Klotho is best regarded as a promising biomarker of the biological response to exercise rather than a validated therapeutic target. The 700–1,000 pg/mL range in adults aged 60 and older is presented only as an observational reference pending prospective validation. This abstract reports pooled associations from trials; the full text was not reviewed here.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. The abstract reports pooled associations from trials, not proof that raising s-Klotho causes health benefits. Heterogeneity was high for the FGF23 result (I2 = 97%), and the 700–1,000 pg/mL reference range is described as observational and pending prospective validation.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Abduldayeva AA, Iskakova SA, Doszhanova GN, Safonov NA, Tuliyeva AM. · europepmc.org · September 3, 2026