Author(s): MARSHALL, S., BOAK, K., SQUIRES, E., Institution: NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 2668

INTRODUCTION:
The gut microbiome can influence exercise adaptation through immune, metabolic, and nutritional pathways. While research suggests that probiotic supplementation may modify microbiome composition and improve performance, few studies have examined effects on recovery, particularly in female athletes. This study examined whether 8-weeks of a multi-strain pro-biotic (MSB) supplementation improved exercise performance and recovery in female team sport athletes.

METHODS:
23 team sport athletes were randomly assigned an 8-week treatment of MSB (n = 12) or a placebo (n = 11). 30-15 Intermittent shuttle test (IST) performance was measured pre and post supplementation. After 2 days rest and following a standardised breakfast, participants performed a damaging protocol consisting of 15 x 30 m sprints (SPR-P), with a 10 m forced deceleration. Recovery markers including maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the quadriceps, delayed onset of muscle soreness, 30 m sprint and countermovement jump were measured at pre SPR-P and again at 24, 48 and 72 h post exercise. Gut fullness (GF) and abdominal discomfort (AD) were measured pre and post SPR-P. Fatigue index (FI), calculated as (Fastest Sprint - Slowest Sprint)/Fastest Sprint x 100, was calculated for the SPR-P. Biological samples were taken to measure gut microbiome diversity, inflammatory cytokines, gut barrier intestinal markers and exploratory metabolomics.
RESULTS:
The change scores in the IST did not differ between the MSP (+0.4 stages) and placebo (+0.8 stages) groups (P = 0.419). There were no differences between groups for FI (P = 0.735) or measures of GF and AD at each time point (P > 0.05). There were no differences between groups for any of the recovery markers at any time point. Biological samples are pending analysis.
CONCLUSION:
This is the first study to investigate the effect of MSP on markers of exercise performance and recovery in female team sport athletes. 8-weeks of MSP supplementation did not affect exercise performance or recovery. If changes are present in biological measures of microbiome and inflammatory status, they do not manifest in physical performance improvements.