Investigating how probiotics affect exercise performance and recovery

Investigating a Novel Multi-strain Probiotic Supplement on Indices of Exercise Performance and Recovery

Not applicable Interventional Loughborough University · NCT05588674

This study is testing whether a special probiotic supplement can help active people perform better during exercise and recover faster afterwards.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorLoughborough University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Loughborough)
Trial IDNCT05588674 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to evaluate the effects of a multi-strain probiotic supplement on exercise performance and recovery in well-trained recreational exercisers. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the probiotic or a placebo in a double-blind format over an 8-week period. The study will involve eight laboratory visits where physiological, biochemical, and microbial diversity measures will be assessed, including performance metrics and muscle soreness. Participants will also undergo an incremental exercise test to determine their peak oxygen uptake and gas exchange threshold.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy men and women aged 18-40 who regularly participate in structured exercise or sports programs.

Not a fit: Patients who have used probiotics or antibiotics in the past three months, or those with chronic diseases, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance exercise performance and recovery for active individuals through probiotic supplementation.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored the effects of probiotics on health, this specific approach to exercise performance and recovery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-40
* Involved in regular or structured exercise/sport programmes

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current use or previous use within 3 months of probiotic supplements
* Current use or previous use within 3 months of antibiotics
* A recent history of surgery/injury associated with impairment of cycling performance
* History of chronic disease (excluding mild asthma)
* Poor tolerance to any component of the supplement
* Any blood-borne disorder/disease

Where this trial is running

Loughborough

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 ProbioticsAcute Exercise
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.