Effects of exercise on gut microbiota in older people with sarcopenia: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Sarcopenia is an age-related disease imposing a substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Resistance training (RT) is recommended as the primary non-pharmacological treatment, and Baduanjin (BDJ) has shown positive effects for sarcopenia. However, the mechanisms through which exercise improves sarcopenia remain unclear. Research has suggested that exercise may enhance sarcopenia through the gut–muscle axis. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of BDJ-RT on the gut microbiota in older people with sarcopenia, identify potential target microbial taxa and explore related mechanisms.

Methods

In this 12-week randomised, single-blind controlled trial, 30 older people with sarcopenia will be randomly assigned to the BDJ-RT group (n = 15) or control group (n = 15). The BDJ-RT group will undergo BDJ combined with RT, and the control group will receive health education. Muscle mass, strength, physical performance, quality of life, gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up. Potential target gut microbiota related to sarcopenia will be identified through metagenomic sequencing. The identified strains will then be gavaged to sarcopenic mice to evaluate their effects on sarcopenia. Data will be analysed using an intention-to-treat approach.

Discussion

This study will be the first to systematically investigate the effects of BDJ-RT on the gut microbiota in older people with sarcopenia. The findings will provide potential microbial targets and mechanistic insights into the gut–muscle axis underlying exercise-induced improvements in sarcopenia.

Trial registration

This study was registered on the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry, with registration number ITMCTR2025000036.