Gut Microbiota, Microbial Metabolites and Human Physical Performance.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Human Physiology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• The gut microbiota (GM) significantly influences host metabolism.
• Previous research suggests links between physical performance and GM composition.
• Physical activity may enhance GM diversity and beneficial microbial populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review longitudinal studies examining the relationship between physically active lifestyles or exercise interventions and the gut microbiota.
• To synthesize current evidence on how exercise impacts the GM.
• To identify potential microbial contributions to physical performance.

Main Methods:

• Conducted literature searches in Web of Science and PubMed Medline.
• Focused on human studies investigating associations between GM and exercise.
• Included both studies showing and not showing significant associations.

Main Results:

• Longitudinal studies indicate medium-intensity endurance exercise often yields beneficial GM effects, though results vary by population and protocol.
• Certain microbes show potential to enhance physical activity and performance.
• A physically active lifestyle generally correlates with a healthier GM.
• Exercise-induced GM improvements in sedentary individuals require sustained activity.

Conclusions:

• While exercise is linked to a healthier GM, the effects are often transient in previously sedentary individuals.
• Dietary factors are critical and often uncontrolled, necessitating further research.
• More longitudinal studies with detailed dietary data are needed to clarify the GM-exercise relationship.