Physical activity, sedentary behavior and microbiome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Human health
• Molecular mechanisms

Background:

• Physical activity and sedentary behavior impact health, but molecular mechanisms are unclear.
• Physical activity modulates microbial communities; sedentary behavior effects are less understood.
• This study synthesizes evidence on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and microbiome composition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To meta-analyze the effects of physical activity and sedentary behavior on the microbiome.
• To investigate microbiome changes across different body sites and populations.
• To clarify the molecular mechanisms linking lifestyle behaviors to microbial composition.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases (until September 2022).
• Random-effects meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies and physical activity intervention trials.
• Focus on gut microbiome alpha-diversity in healthy individuals.

Main Results:

• Ninety-one studies and 2632 participants were included.
• No consistent effect of physical activity on microbial alpha-diversity was found.
• A trend towards higher microbial richness in athletes and increased short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria in active individuals was observed.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity correlates with higher levels of beneficial bacteria.
• Athletes may possess a more diverse microbiome than non-athletes.
• High study heterogeneity limits definitive conclusions; future multi-omics research is recommended.