Can exercise change your gut bacteria? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT07481578

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Stefan De Smet Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at how different amounts of supervised indoor cycling change gut bacteria and related substances in healthy men aged 18 to 45. Participants will be placed into one of three groups: no structured training, moderate cycling, or high-load cycling. Researchers will measure changes in gut health, fitness, muscle health, and signs of overtraining over eight weeks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: dietary placebo (sugar capsule)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal how exercise intensity influences gut health and performance, pointing toward personalized training or dietary strategies.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase observational study with only 45 participants. Results may not apply to women, athletes, or less active people. The placebo is a sugar capsule, not a real treatment.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

glucose intolerance Motor Activity skeletal muscle disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS BUTYRATE EXERCISE EXERCISE PERFORMANCE FOOD INTAKE GLUCOSE TOLERANCE GUT MICROBIOME HEART RATE VARIABILITY (HRV) HORMONES METABOLIC HEALTH MUSCLE ADAPTATION OVERREACHING PHYSICAL FITNESS SKELETAL MUSCLE VASCULAR HEALTH

Contacts and locations

Locations

Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
RECRUITING

Leuven, Vlaams Brabant, 3001, Belgium

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