Mechanisms underlying alterations of the gut microbiota by exercise and their role in shaping ecological resilience

Mohr, AE ORCID: 0000-0001-5401-3702, Mach, N, Pugh, J ORCID: 0000-0002-5930-4709, Grosicki, GJ, Allen, JM, Karl, JP and Whisner, CM (2025) Mechanisms underlying alterations of the gut microbiota by exercise and their role in shaping ecological resilience. FEMS microbiology reviews, 49. fuaf037. ISSN 0168-6445

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Abstract

The gut microbiota (GM) is a dynamic ecosystem intricately linked to human health, including metabolic, immune, endocrine, and gastrointestinal functions. Exercise is recognized as a significant modifier of this microbial ecosystem, yet the complexities of this relationship are underexplored. Here, we delve into the multifaceted interactions between structured physical activity and the GM, emphasizing the role of exercise-induced stressors in shaping microbial composition and function. Unique to our review, we discuss the acute effects of different forms of exercise-induced stress on the GM and explore how these responses may influence long-term adaptability, stability, and resilience. Furthermore, we address critical junctures in microbial dynamics leading to shifts between different stable states. Finally, we explore the implications of host-controlled factors such as diet, exercise training, and nutritional supplementation in modulating the microbial community in the gut to optimize athletic performance. We conclude that while the potential to harness the synergistic effects of exercise-induced stressors, dietary interventions, and microbial adaptations appears promising, current evidence remains preliminary, highlighting the need for additional targeted research to guide future strategies that manipulate the GM for optimal health and athletic performance.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans; Exercise; Diet; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; acute stress; athlete; gut–muscle axis; microbial ecology; microbiome; precision health; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Exercise; Diet; 3107 Microbiology; 31 Biological Sciences; Prevention; Physical Activity; Behavioral and Social Science; Microbiome; Complementary and Integrative Health; Nutrition; 6.7 Physical; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Exercise; Diet; 0605 Microbiology; 1108 Medical Microbiology; Microbiology; 3107 Microbiology
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date of acceptance:	8 August 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	29 August 2025
Date Deposited:	29 Aug 2025 14:29
Last Modified:	29 Aug 2025 14:30
DOI or ID number:	10.1093/femsre/fuaf037
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/27057

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