Influence of microbiota normalization on physical performance and psychophysiological state of highly qualified athletes

BACKGROUND: Violations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota of an athlete can negatively affect his or her health status and, as a result, sports results. Correction of the composition of the intestinal microbiota of an athlete with the help of preparations containing pre-, pro-, and metabiotics seems to be a promising direction in correcting an athlete’s health status.

AIMS: This study aims to investigate the intestinal microbiome of high-class athletes and the effect of restoring the balance of intestinal microflora on indicators of their physical and psychophysiological state.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center prospective study was performed on professional athletes in the conditions of training camps. A total of 51 high-class athletes (37 women and 14 men) aged from 18 to 32 years participated in the study. The study participants were divided into three groups: group 1 (basketball), 16 female athletes; group 2 (biathlon, ski racing), 19 athletes (14 men and 5 women); and group 3 (water polo), 16 female athletes. Stool specimen was analyzed for microflora composition. Depending on the results of the analysis, the athletes were recommended to use one of the programs, including prebiotic, probiotic, metabiotic, or their combination.

RESULTS: Fecal analysis for dysbacteriosis showed that in most cases the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and enterococci was reduced in the examined athletes, and the content of conditionally pathogenic microflora was increased. When using probiotics combined with pro- or metabiotics, the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli reaches normal values, and the amount of conditionally pathogenic microflora is significantly reduced. During the survey, more than 60% of athletes noted an improvement in load tolerance after taking the studied drugs.

CONCLUSIONS: Gut dysbacteriosis and gastrointestinal dysfunctions are frequent in highly qualified athletes. A combined use of prebiotic and probiotic or prebiotic and metabiotic has an effective effect on restoring the gut microbiome and the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract. This normalization has a direct positive effect on the gut-microbiota-brain axis, thereby improving the functional and psychoemotional state of high-class athletes in general.