Effects of a Single Workout on Gut Health in Women

The Acute Effects of an Endurance Exercise Bout the Gut Microbiome and Gut-derived Metabolome in Women's Distinct Fitness and Body Mass Indexes

Not applicable Interventional George Washington University · NCT06691100

This study is testing how a single workout affects gut health and metabolism in premenopausal women of different fitness levels and body types.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 40 Years
SexFemale
SponsorGeorge Washington University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia)
Trial IDNCT06691100 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how a single session of aerobic exercise impacts the gut microbiome and metabolic activity in premenopausal women with varying fitness levels and body types. Participants will undergo a series of assessments including body composition analysis, strength and endurance tests, and will provide stool and blood samples before and after a 30-minute exercise bout. The study aims to understand the relationship between exercise and gut health by measuring changes in specific bacteria and metabolites. The findings could provide insights into personalized exercise recommendations for weight management and overall health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are premenopausal women with a BMI between 19-24.99 or 30-40, who are either regular exercisers or sedentary.

Not a fit: Patients who are male, have a BMI outside the specified range, or have certain health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to tailored exercise programs that improve gut health and aid in weight management for women.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on exercise and gut microbiome exist, this specific approach focusing on acute exercise effects in women with different fitness levels is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Biological sex: female
* BMI 19 to 24.99 kg/m2 or BMI 30-40 kg/m2
* Exercisers: Exercise at least 4 times per week for 60 minutes (a total of 240 minutes per week) on a programmed exercise training either on endurance sports (e.g., running, cycling, triathlon), strength (e.g., powerlifting), or team sports (e.g., rugby, football, soccer)
* Non-Exercisers: Sedentary individuals who have not reached the PA guidelines (150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Biological sex: male
* BMI \< 19 kg/m2 or \> 40 kg/m2
* Currently pregnant, \< 2 years postpartum, lactating
* Currently taking any herbal, fiber, or prebiotic supplement
* Current or 1-month before the study, taking oral or vaginal antibiotics
* Diagnosed with any gastrointestinal, endocrine, digestive, cancer, or cardiovascular disease.

Where this trial is running

Washington D.C., District of Columbia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Weight ManagementObesityExerciseWomenGut MicrobiomeMetabolomeHealthGut Microbiota
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.