A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Physical activity, sedentary behavior and microbiome : A systematic review and meta-analysis (2024)
Pérez-Prieto, I., Plaza-Florido, A., Ubago-Guisado, E., Ortega, F., & Altmäe, S. (2024). Physical activity, sedentary behavior and microbiome : A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 37(11), 793-804. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2024.07.003
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Pérez-Prieto, Inmaculada; Plaza-Florido, Abel; Ubago-Guisado, Esther; Ortega, Francisco, B.; Altmäe, Signe
Journal or series: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
ISSN: 1440-2440
eISSN: 1878-1861
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 09/07/2024
Volume: 37
Issue number: 11
Pages range: 793-804
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2024.07.003
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/98381
Web address of parallel published publication (pre-print): https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.01.29.24301919
Abstract
The effects of physical activity and sedentary behavior on human health are well known, however, the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Growing evidence points to physical activity as an important modulator of the composition and function of microbial communities, while evidence of sedentary behavior is scarce. We aimed to synthesize and meta-analyze the current evidence about the effects of physical activity and sedentary behavior on microbiome across different body sites and in different populations.
Methods
A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane databases was conducted until September 2022. Random-effects meta-analyses including cross-sectional studies (active vs. inactive/athletes vs. non-athletes) or trials reporting the chronic effect of physical activity interventions on gut microbiome alpha-diversity in healthy individuals were performed.
Results
Ninety-one studies were included in this systematic review. Our meta-analyses of 2632 participants indicated no consistent effect of physical activity on microbial alpha-diversity, although there seems to be a trend toward a higher microbial richness in athletes compared to non-athletes. Most of studies reported an increase in short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria such as Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, Veillonella or Roseburia in active individuals and after physical activity interventions.
Conclusions
Physical activity levels were positively associated with the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. Athletes seem to have a richer microbiome compared to non-athletes. However, high heterogeneity between studies avoids obtaining conclusive information on the role of physical activity in microbial composition. Future multi-omics studies would enhance our understanding of the molecular effects of physical activity and sedentary behavior on the microbiome.
Keywords: physical activity; training; inactivity; microbiome; sequencing; metagenomics; molecular genetics; systematic reviews
Free keywords: exercise; microbiota; omics; 16S rRNA gene sequencing; metagenomics
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 2
