Probiotics and Active Aging: Enhancing Gut Health

Launched by JOSE LUIS FELIPE · Jun 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how probiotics (good bacteria) and physical activity can affect gut health, physical fitness, and overall wellbeing in older adults. The researchers want to understand the balance of bacteria in the intestines of people aged 60 and over, see how taking probiotics might change this balance, and find out how exercise programs supported by technology can improve both gut health and quality of life. By combining these approaches, the study hopes to show ways to support healthy aging.

If you are 60 years or older, live in Castilla-La Mancha or Madrid, and are willing to take part in regular physical activity sessions at least twice a week, you might be eligible to join. Participants will be asked to complete simple physical fitness tests like walking and standing exercises, fill out questionnaires about their health and diet, and provide stool samples to check their gut bacteria. Some will take part in exercise programs, while others will follow a placebo (non-exercise) routine. The study is not yet recruiting, and people with certain health issues like recent serious injuries, uncontrolled blood pressure, or digestive diseases will not be able to join. If you decide to participate, you will give written consent and follow the study instructions throughout the trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 60 years or older.
• • Residents of Castilla-La Mancha or Madrid.
• • Able to provide informed consent.
• • For the intervention group: enrolled in a municipal physical activity program with a minimum frequency of 2 sessions per week.
• • Willing to participate in all assessments and follow study instructions.
• • Consent: Participants must provide written informed consent to participate in the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Recent serious musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., muscle tears, ligament ruptures, fractures).
• • Current symptoms during exercise such as chest pain, dizziness, or joint pain.
• • Uncontrolled hypertension (≥160/100 mmHg).
• • Recent cardiac failure or infectious disease (e.g., meningitis, hepatitis, flu).
• • Chronic gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS).
• • Regular use of medications affecting gut motility or microbiota (e.g., laxatives \>3 times/week).
• • Immunodeficiency (e.g., HIV, active cancer).
• • Use of antibiotics (oral or parenteral) within 4 weeks prior to the study.
• • Regular intake of probiotic supplements or foods (e.g., Actimel) within 2 weeks prior to the study.