PMID 39618097

Research
All papers

Effects of probiotic supplementation with high-intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory endurance and metabolism in Middle-Aged Obese Women

Chen YC, Wang HY, Ogita F, Hung CH, Kuo CH, Wang JP, Wang CM, Hou CW, Wang TY

Question

Does combining probiotic supplementation with HIIT produce additive effects on anthropometry, cardiorespiratory endurance, glucose, and lipids in middle-aged women with obesity?

Summary

In middle-aged women with obesity, 8 weeks of treadmill HIIT improved time to exhaustion and modestly improved VO2max in the HIIT-only group, but the HIIT-only group also showed a small increase in waist circumference and fasting glucose. Combining HIIT with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TWK10 probiotics improved time to exhaustion, reduced hip circumference, and appeared to offset the waist/glucose concerns. The study was small, self-monitored for HIIT, and diet/menstrual status were not tightly controlled.

Methodology

  • Middle-aged obese women, mostly office workers.
  • 47 participants.
  • Treadmill running.
  • Work intervals: 7 x 2 min.
  • Recovery: 1 min inactive rest.
  • Intensity: 85-90% vVO2max.
  • About 25 min.
  • 3 sessions/week.
  • 8 weeks.
  • Placebo-controlled, double-blind supplementation trial with four groups including HIIT and probiotic combinations.
  • Anthropometry, VO2max, Time to exhaustion, and Fasting blood glucose were tracked.

Outcomes

Time to exhaustion

TTE increased in HIIT and HIIT plus probiotic groups.

H p=0.026; HP p=0.032.

Improved

VO2max

VO2max increased significantly in the HIIT-only group.

36.0 to 37.0 mL/kg/min, p=0.015.

Improved

Anthropometry

HIIT-only waist circumference increased; HIIT plus probiotic hip circumference decreased; body weight and BMI were unchanged.

H waist p=0.030; HP hip p=0.035.

Mixed

Fasting glucose and lipids

HIIT-only fasting glucose increased but remained normal; TC, TG, and LDL-C did not significantly change.

H FBG p=0.029.

Mixed

Insights

  • In unaccustomed middle-aged women, jumping straight to 85-90% vVO2max may improve endurance before improving waist/body weight.
  • Diet and season can confound waist and weight interpretation.
  • Consider gradual ramp-up and knee symptom monitoring.

Limitations

  • Small sample
  • Women-only
  • Seasonal weight effects possible
  • No strict dietary control
  • Menstrual cycle and menopausal status not standardized
  • Self-monitored HIIT

Safety

  • All participants tolerated HIIT and supplementation.
  • One HIIT plus probiotic participant reported mild knee pain after the experiment, with no pain during sessions or measurements.