How the gut affects exercise performance
Official title: Intestinal regulation of exercise performance
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11036255 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect your motivation to exercise by influencing brain chemicals, and it could help people who find it hard to stay active.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 16, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $487,904 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134976-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036255 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are physically inactive or have difficulty engaging in regular exercise.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe gastrointestinal disorders or those who are unable to exercise for medical reasons may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the gut microbiome and exercise performance. It explores how the intestinal microbiome influences dopamine levels in the brain, which are crucial for motivation and engagement in physical activity. By using advanced techniques, the study aims to understand the gut-brain signaling pathways that may enhance exercise performance. The findings could lead to new strategies for improving physical activity in individuals, particularly those who struggle with motivation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative methods for enhancing exercise performance and motivation through gut health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain connection, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thaiss, Christoph Alexander — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Thaiss, Christoph Alexander
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.