Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Determining the Contribution of the Energy Systems During Exercise
Published on: March 20, 2012
Impact of Synbiotics Intake on Body-Composition-Related Indicators and Physical Performance in Judokas Before the
Tomomi Yoshikawa1, Yukihiro Yokoyama2,3, Takahiro Kuno4
1Matsunami Research Park, Sosaikouseikai Clinical Foundation, Kasamatsu 501-6062, Gifu, Japan.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of synbiotics intake on body-composition-related indicators and physical performance in judokas from 4 weeks to 3 days before the match. The associations between the changes in fecal succinic acid concentration and the rate of change in physical performance were also examined. Methods: A total of 16 male participants from Aichi University Judo Club were included in a repeated-measures design to compare the effects of non-synbiotics and synbiotics. Body-composition-related indicators and physical performance were assessed, and fecal samples were collected 4 weeks and 3 days before the match. Results: From 4 weeks to 3 days before the match, no significant changes in body composition were observed in either the non-synbiotics or synbiotics group. Regarding physical performance, the non-synbiotics group demonstrated a significant reduction in countermovement jump and rebound jump power. In contrast, the synbiotics group maintained physical performance without significant changes. In addition, the change in fecal succinic acid concentration in the synbiotics group was negatively associated with the rate of change in physical performance, particularly rebound jump power (p = 0.052). In the rebound jump power-decreased group, the change in the fecal succinic acid concentration increased, whereas it decreased in the rebound jump power-increased group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.024; AUC = 0.84). Conclusions: Before the match, synbiotics intake and a reduction in the fecal succinic acid concentration may be associated with the maintenance of physical performance in judokas, which may have implications for match performance.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Bioavailability: Influencing Factors
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
Regulation of Food Intake
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion