Effects of different exercise types on gut health in older adults

Unraveling the Impact of Distinct Exercise Modalities on GUT Microbiome and Gut-derived Metabolites in Older Adults with Sarcopenia

This study is testing whether different types of exercise, like strength training and aerobic workouts, can improve gut health and muscle strength in older adults with muscle loss.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 69 (estimated)
• Ages: 60 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Faculty of Sports- Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Porto)
• Trial ID: NCT06545123 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how distinct exercise modalities, specifically resistance and aerobic training, influence the gut microbiome and its metabolites in older adults with sarcopenia. By examining the gut-muscle axis, the research aims to understand how these exercise regimens can alter gut microbiota composition and potentially improve muscle health and physical function. Participants aged 60 and older will engage in concurrent exercise training, with the goal of identifying the most effective approach for mitigating age-related muscle loss and enhancing overall physical performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 60 and above who exhibit objective indicators of sarcopenia and are physically inactive.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, significant heart conditions, or severe kidney disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for preventing sarcopenia and enhancing physical function in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence from well-designed randomized clinical trials on this topic, the potential for exercise to modulate the gut microbiome has shown promise in preliminary studies.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: ≥ 60 years old
* Sex: Men and women
* Medical History: Objective indicators of sarcopenia- Handgrip strength: men \< 27 kg and women \< 16 kg; 4-m gait speed ≤ 0.8 m/s; Short Physical Performance Battery ≤ 8-point score; Chair stand test \> 15 s; Time-up-go ≥ 20 s.
* Physical Inactivity: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)- Portuguese version ≤ 150 minutes/week of moderate physical activity
* Willingness to participate in all study procedures regardless of possible group allocation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Failure to provide consent.
* Uncontrolled Hypertension: SBP\> 180 mmHg or DBP\> 110 mmHg.
* History of coronary artery stenosis (\>50%).
* Heart Failure: Ejection fraction \< 50%.
* History of syncope at exertion.
* History of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy or evidence in the previous 6 months of myocarditis or pericarditis.
* Severe valvular heart disease.
* Chronic kidney disease stage ≥ 4,8.
* Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease stage ≥ 3,9.
* Musculoskeletal or neurodegenerative conditions that hinder exercise engagement.
* Current participation in another structured exercise training program.
* Inability to commit to study procedures or the exercise intervention throughout the study period.
* Other condition or concern precluding safe participation.

Where this trial is running

Porto

• Faculty of Sports — Porto, Portugal (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Liliana C. Baptista, PhD — Faculty of Sport, University of Porto
• Study coordinator: Liliana C. Baptista, PhD

Conditions: Sarcopenia, Older Adults, Gut Microbiome, Exercise, Metabolomics, Physical function