Mechanisms of increased erythropoietin levels during physical exercise: a systematic review
4 affiliations
- 1Universitas Airlangga, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Department of Health, Physiotherapy Program, Airlangga str., 4-6, Airlangga, Kota Surabaya, Jawa Timur, 60286
- 2Universitas Airlangga, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Airlangga str., 4-6, Airlangga, Kota Surabaya, Jawa Timur, 60286
- 3Universitas Udayana, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Exercise Physiology, Kampus Bukit UNUD, Jimbaran, Kab. Badung, Bali, 80361
- 4Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Programme Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP), Greentown str., 3, Ipoh, Perak, 30450
Abstract
Erythropoietin levels rising during exercise is a significant physiological reaction that helps the body adjust to higher oxygen demands. By triggering biochemical pathways sensitive to variations in oxygen levels, physical activity, especially at high intensities or in hypoxic environments, might increase the production of erythropoietin. This adaptive response enhances erythropoiesis, thus improving oxygen transport capacity to meet the increased metabolic demands during exercise. Furthermore, elucidating the molecular pathways responsible for exercise-induced erythropoietin production may provide valuable insights for optimizing exercise interventions in both athletic and clinical settings. The association between exercise and elevated erythropoietin has been studied extensively, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of physical exercise on human erythropoietin levels. We reviewed several literature databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct, for our systematic review investigation. The search was conducted for articles published between 2015 and 2025 that discussed physical exercise and erythropoietin. Using the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Science Direct databases, 704 published publications were identified. For this systematic review, ten papers meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and reviewed. This study evaluated standard operating procedures using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses criteria. Based on 10 reviewed papers, it has been shown that physical exercise can significantly increase erythropoietin levels. Erythropoietin levels have been demonstrated to rise with physical activity. This rise is a natural reaction to physical activity, especially when there is hypoxia. The body's adaptive reaction to the elevated oxygen requirement is this rise. Exercise therefore contributes to the formation of red blood cells and the expansion of oxygen transport capacity.
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BibTeX
@article{putra2026mechanisms,
title = {{Mechanisms of increased erythropoietin levels during physical exercise: a systematic review}},
author = {D.P. Putra and D.A. Utami and L.P.R. Sundari and A.S.B. Arohman},
journal = {Medičnì Perspektivi},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.26641/2307-0404.2026.3.375419},
url = {https://doi.org/10.26641/2307-0404.2026.3.375419},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Mechanisms of increased erythropoietin levels during physical exercise: a systematic review
AU - D.P. Putra
AU - D.A. Utami
AU - L.P.R. Sundari
AU - A.S.B. Arohman
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/01
JO - Medičnì Perspektivi
DO - 10.26641/2307-0404.2026.3.375419
UR - https://doi.org/10.26641/2307-0404.2026.3.375419
AB - Erythropoietin levels rising during exercise is a significant physiological reaction that helps the body adjust to higher oxygen demands. By triggering biochemical pathways sensitive to variations in oxygen levels, physical activity, especially at high intensities or in hypoxic environments, might increase the production of erythropoietin. This adaptive response enhances erythropoiesis, thus improving oxygen transport capacity to meet the increased metabolic demands during exercise. Furthermore, elucidating the molecular pathways responsible for exercise-induced erythropoietin production may provide valuable insights for optimizing exercise interventions in both athletic and clinical settings. The association between exercise and elevated erythropoietin has been studied extensively, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of physical exercise on human erythropoietin levels. We reviewed several literature databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct, for our systematic review investigation. The search was conducted for articles published between 2015 and 2025 that discussed physical exercise and erythropoietin. Using the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Science Direct databases, 704 published publications were identified. For this systematic review, ten papers meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and reviewed. This study evaluated standard operating procedures using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses criteria. Based on 10 reviewed papers, it has been shown that physical exercise can significantly increase erythropoietin levels. Erythropoietin levels have been demonstrated to rise with physical activity. This rise is a natural reaction to physical activity, especially when there is hypoxia. The body's adaptive reaction to the elevated oxygen requirement is this rise. Exercise therefore contributes to the formation of red blood cells and the expansion of oxygen transport capacity.
SN - 2307-0404
SN - 2786-4804
ER -