Exercise increases circulating Klotho across populations; meta-analysis of 14 randomized trials
A meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (n=893, ages 30-94) examined the effect of exercise training on circulating α-Klotho. Chronic training (≥12 weeks) produced a pooled effect of Hedges' g=1.20 (95% CI 0.85-1.55). In chronic kidney disease patients specifically, exercise increased Klotho by 158.82 pg/mL and reduced FGF23 by 102.07 pg/mL. Resistance training and high-intensity interval training showed the most robust effects.
What this changes
The finding has not established an approved change to our evidence assessment.
Source date: Sep 3, 2026 · Discovered: Sep 18, 2026 · Assessed: — · Research update
What it does not prove
- Limitations have not yet been verified. Read the primary source.
Extracted from supplied source material; model confidence is not a measured probability of correctness.
Study details
- Design
- Meta analysis
- Sample size
- 893
- Duration
- —
- Population
- 14 RCTs with total n=893; age range 30-94 years. Emphasis on older adults (≥60 years), patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, and sarcopenia. Pre-frail older adults subgroup: n=69, mean age 77 years
- Primary outcome
- Circulating α-Klotho (soluble serum or plasma) measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- Effect size
- Pooled effect of chronic training (≥12 weeks) on s-Klotho: Hedges' g = 1.20 (95% CI 0.85-1.55). In CKD patients: MD = 158.82 pg/mL (95% CI 122.33-194.31) for Klotho; MD = -102.07 pg/mL (95% CI -176.23 to -27.91) for FGF23. In pre-frail older adults (n=69, mean age 77 years), 12-week classical resistance training significantly increased s-Klotho
- Significance
- Significant
- Journal
- Frontiers in Sports and Active Living</journal> <parameter name="fundingSummary">Not reported
- Published
- Sep 3, 2026
Funding: Not reported in abstract.
Conflicts: Not reported
Sources
Primary source
- Frontiers in sports and active living ↗Peer reviewed
Assessment history
9/23/2026 · SUPERSEDED: Source updated; assessment withdrawn pending review.
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