Body Composition, Microbiome and Physical Activity in Workers Under Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Human Biology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) is known to induce physiological and metabolic adaptations.
• Understanding these adaptations is crucial for occupational health, especially for workers exposed to varying atmospheric pressures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a seven-day IHH exposure on nutritional status, body composition, gut microbiota, movement intensity, and energy expenditure.
• To re-analyze existing data to clarify significant changes in BMI and gut bacteria.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post comparative study design was used with 10 workers.
• Measurements included bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for body composition and phase angle (PhA), qPCR for gut microbiota, and accelerometry for physical activity.
• Statistical analysis involved paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in PhA (p=0.0053) and a significant decrease in BMI (p=0.0311) were observed.
• Significant changes were noted in specific gut bacterial families, including butyrate-producing bacteria (p=0.037) and Lactobacillus species (p=0.006).
• Physical activity levels remained consistently low throughout the study period.

Conclusions:

• Re-analysis suggests significant changes in BMI following IHH exposure, contrary to initial reports.
• IHH exposure significantly impacts gut microbiota composition.
• Low physical activity levels persist despite IHH exposure, indicating a need for further investigation into exercise interventions.