Short-term physical exercise impacts on the human holobiont obtained by a randomised intervention study

Area of Science:

• Human physiology
• Microbiome research
• Exercise science

Background:

• Human well-being is linked to gut microbiota composition and function.
• Regular exercise positively influences gut microbiota, but studies often focus on elite athletes or animals.
• This study investigates the effects of endurance and strength training on healthy, inactive adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the distinct physiological and gut microbial changes induced by endurance versus strength training in previously inactive adults.
• To compare the effects of different exercise modalities on body composition, blood markers, and gut microbiome.

Main Methods:

• Randomised intervention study over ten weeks (six weeks intervention).
• 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of fecal samples (six time points).
• Body composition, blood analysis, and activity tracker data collection.

Main Results:

• Strength training increased lymphocytes and decreased MCHC; endurance training reduced hip circumference and increased physical working capacity.
• Significant individual variations in gut microbiota were observed within groups.
• No specific collective gut microbial alterations were identified for either endurance or strength training groups.

Conclusions:

• Different exercise types induce distinct, moderate physiological and gut microbial changes.
• Physical activity significantly impacts human well-being.
• Future research should explore longer timescales, varied intensities, and advanced sequencing methods.