Effects of combined aerobic and resistance training on gut microbiota and cardiovascular risk factors in physically active elderly women: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Exercise can modulate gut microbiota and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the association between exercise-induced changes in gut microbiota and CVD risk have not been investigated. <b>Objective:</b> This study determined the effects of exercise training on CVD risk and gut microbiota in physically active elderly women and whether exercise-induced gut microbiota changes were associated with CVD risk. <b>Methods:</b> An 8-week randomized controlled trial was conducted with 14 elderly women assigned to exercise group (<i>n</i> = 8) or control group (<i>n</i> = 6). Physical function, sarcopenic obesity, and metabolic syndrome were evaluated as components of CVD risk. Gut microbiota composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine intra-group and inter-group differences. <b>Results:</b> A significant group × time interaction was observed for chair sit-and-reach (F = 8.262, <i>p</i> = 0.014), single-leg standing with eyes closed (F = 7.340, <i>p</i> = 0.019), waist circumference (F = 6.254, <i>p</i> = 0.028), and body fat mass (F = 12.263, <i>p</i> = 0.004), for which the exercise group showed improved trends. The exercise group exhibited significant improvements in skeletal muscle mass (<i>p</i> = 0.041) and fasting blood glucose (<i>p</i> = 0.017). Regarding gut microbiota, a significant interaction was observed for the class Betaproteobacteria (F = 6.822, <i>p</i> = 0.023) and genus <i>Holdemania</i> (F = 4.852, <i>p</i> = 0.048). <b>Conclusion:</b> The 8-week exercise training improved physical function, lowered CVD risk, and modulated relative abundance of gut microbiota associated with CVD in physically active elderly women.