Distinct Exercise Modalities on Gut Microbiome

Launched by FACULTY OF SPORTS- RESEARCH CENTER IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, HEALTH AND LEISURE · Aug 6, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how different types of exercise can affect the gut microbiome and muscle health in older adults with sarcopenia, a condition that leads to muscle weakness and loss. Researchers want to understand if aerobic exercise (like walking or cycling), resistance training (like lifting weights), or a combination of both can improve the gut bacteria and overall health of participants. The trial aims to determine which type of exercise is most beneficial for muscle strength, physical performance, and gut health.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be at least 60 years old and show signs of sarcopenia, such as reduced muscle strength or difficulty with movements. They should also be relatively inactive, engaging in less than 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. If you join the study, you'll be assigned to one of three exercise groups and participate in a supervised exercise program for 12 weeks. Throughout the trial, your muscle strength, physical performance, and gut health will be evaluated. This research hopes to provide valuable insights that can help develop better exercise recommendations for older adults facing sarcopenia.

Gender

ALL

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.