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

PMID: 39618097
Journal: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
Published: 2024 Dec
Authors: 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.

## Population

- Middle-aged obese women, mostly office workers.
- Sample size: 47
- Age: 44.5 +/- 5.94 years
- Sex: Women only
- Fitness level: Not reported as trained.
- Health status: Obese by body fat percentage; otherwise detailed clinical exclusions not extracted.

## Methodology

- Placebo-controlled, double-blind supplementation trial with four groups including HIIT and probiotic combinations.
- 8 weeks
- Exercise and supplement intervention in office-working middle-aged women.
- Controlled study design.

## Protocol

- Treadmill HIIT.
- Modality: Treadmill running.
- Work intervals: 7 x 2 min.
- Recovery: 1 min inactive rest.
- Sets or repetitions: 7 cycles.
- Intensity: 85-90% vVO2max.
- Session duration: About 25 min.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 8 weeks.
- Progression: No progression reported.
- Placebo/probiotic non-HIIT and HIIT plus probiotic comparators.
- Modality: Supplement/placebo; same HIIT for HP group.
- Frequency: Daily supplement/placebo.
- Program length: 8 weeks.

## Outcomes

### Time to exhaustion
Status: improved
TTE increased in HIIT and HIIT plus probiotic groups.

H p=0.026; HP p=0.032.

### VO2max
Status: improved
VO2max increased significantly in the HIIT-only group.

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

### Anthropometry
Status: mixed
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.

### Fasting glucose and lipids
Status: mixed
HIIT-only fasting glucose increased but remained normal; TC, TG, and LDL-C did not significantly change.

H FBG p=0.029.

## Practical 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 And Adherence

- 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.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39618097/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2024.2425609) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11613408/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.