Effects of different exercise types on gut health in older adults
Official title: Unraveling the Impact of Distinct Exercise Modalities on GUT Microbiome and Gut-derived Metabolites in Older Adults with Sarcopenia
Run by Faculty of Sports- Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure · NCT06545123 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 69 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Faculty of Sports- Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Porto) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06545123 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 60 and above who exhibit objective indicators of sarcopenia and are physically inactive.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, significant heart conditions, or severe kidney disease may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running
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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
- Email: lbaptista@fade.up.pt
- Phone: +351 220 425 239
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.