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Valido E, Bertolo A, Hertig-Godeschalk A, Flueck JL, Ruettimann B, Glisic M, Stoyanov J. Characteristics of the gut microbiome of Swiss elite athletes with a spinal cord injury: An exploratory study. J Spinal Cord Med 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38207282 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2265610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To illustrate and explore associations between the gut microbiome and spinal cord injury (SCI) characteristics, physical training, dietary intake, body composition, and blood biomarkers of elite Swiss athletes. DESIGN AND SETTING Baseline data analysis of athletes with SCI who participated in a pilot trial (NCT04659408) in the Swiss Paraplegic Center, Nottwil, Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS Elite athletes, five males, and six females, with SCI who competed internationally. OUTCOME MEASURES We conducted a differential abundance analysis and measured the alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiome. RESULTS The athletes' median age was 34.5 years. Six had traumatic SCI and five had a spina bifida. The athletes competed in para-cycling (5), wheelchair athletics (3), and wheelchair tennis (3). A higher duration of training per week was positively associated with Akkermansia and Akkermansiaceae but negatively associated with Prevotellaceae. Muribaculaceae was negatively associated with the average number of trainings per week. Waist circumference is negatively associated with Butyricimonas. Significant differences in the alpha diversity were found with sex, gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) scores, total caloric intake, total fat intake, total carbohydrate intake, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Beta diversity differences were found with impairment of the sympathetic nervous system of the gut at the genus level and HbA1c at the family level. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insight into the gut microbiome of athletes with SCI. Our results were similar to those found in athletes without SCI. Further replication is needed to confirm the relationships of organisms observed in the gut of athletes with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra Valido
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Bertolo
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Bern, Bern Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Joelle Leonie Flueck
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Belinda Ruettimann
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Marija Glisic
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jivko Stoyanov
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Hertig-Godeschalk A, Glisic M, Ruettimann B, Valido E, Capossela S, Stoyanov J, Flueck JL. The feasibility of a randomized controlled crossover trial to assess the effect of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation on the health of elite wheelchair athletes. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:99. [PMID: 37322538 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01339-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal (GI) problems represent a health burden in Para athletes and can ultimately reduce athletic performance. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled crossover trial (RCCT) assessing the effects of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation on the health of Swiss elite wheelchair athletes. METHODS The RCCT was conducted between March 2021 and October 2021. Athletes were randomized to receive either a daily probiotic (3 g of probiotic preparation, including eight bacterial strains), or a daily prebiotic (5 g of oat bran) supplementation first. After the first supplementation phase (4 weeks), a washout period (4 weeks) and the second crossover supplementation phase (4 weeks) followed. Data were collected at four study visits (every 4 weeks) and included 3-day training and nutrition diaries, the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire, stool samples, and fasting blood samples. The study assessed the feasibility criteria such as recruitment rate, retention rate, success of data collection, adherence to the protocol, willingness to participate, and safety. RESULTS This pilot study met the majority of the predefined minimum requirements for the feasibility criteria. Out of 43 invited elite wheelchair athletes, 14 (33%) consented (mean (standard deviation) age: 34 (9) years, eight females, 11 with a spinal cord injury). The desired sample size was not reached, but the achieved recruitment rate was modest, especially considering the population studied. All participating athletes completed the study. With the exception of one missing stool sample and two missing diaries, data were successfully collected for all athletes at all four visits. Most athletes adhered to the daily intake protocol for at least 80% of the days, both for probiotics (n = 12, 86%) and prebiotics (n = 11, 79%). Ten (71%) athletes would be willing to participate in a similar study again. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION Despite the limited number of elite wheelchair athletes in Switzerland and the modest recruitment rate, the implementation of a RCCT in elite wheelchair athletes is feasible. The data collected in this study provide essential information for the design of the subsequent study which will include a larger cohort of physically active wheelchair users. TRIAL REGISTRATION Swiss Ethics Committee for Northwest/Central Switzerland (EKNZ), 2020-02337). CLINICALTRIALS gov, NCT04659408.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneke Hertig-Godeschalk
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, Nottwil, Switzerland.
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland.
| | - Marija Glisic
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Belinda Ruettimann
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Ezra Valido
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Jivko Stoyanov
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joelle L Flueck
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, Nottwil, Switzerland
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Hertig-Godeschalk A, Ruettimann B, Valido E, Glisic M, Stoyanov J, Flueck JL. Energy Availability and Nutritional Intake during Different Training Phases of Wheelchair Athletes. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112578. [PMID: 37299541 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimizing nutritional intake and timing helps athletes to improve performance and long-term health. Different training phases can require varying nutritional needs. In this study, we conducted a descriptive assessment of dietary intake, energy availability (EA), and blood biochemical parameters in elite wheelchair athletes during distinct training phases. Data analyzed in this study were collected as part of a randomized controlled crossover trial exploring the feasibility of probiotics and prebiotic supplementation. Data were obtained from consecutive three-day diaries and blood samples, both collected at four different time points across four consecutive months. We included 14 athletes (mean (standard deviation) age 34 (9) years, eight females, and six males) active in different wheelchair sports. The mean daily nutritional intake (g/kg body mass) for females and males was 2.7 (0.9) and 4.0 (0.7) for carbohydrates, 1.1 (0.3) and 1.5 (0.3) for protein, and 0.8 (0.3) and 1.4 (0.2) for fat. EA did not change across the four time points in either female (p = 0.30) or male (p = 0.05) athletes. The mean EA was lower in female athletes compared to male athletes (p = 0.03). Low EA (≤30 kcal/ kg fat-free mass/day) was observed in female (58 (29) % of days) and male (34 (23) % of days) athletes. Iron deficiency with anemia was observed in two female athletes. Mean vitamin D levels were insufficient (<75 nmol/L). Macronutrient intake, EA, and blood biochemical parameters were suboptimal in this cohort of elite wheelchair athletes, especially in female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneke Hertig-Godeschalk
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Belinda Ruettimann
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Ezra Valido
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Lucerne, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Marija Glisic
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jivko Stoyanov
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joelle L Flueck
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
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Glisic M, Flueck JL, Ruettimann B, Hertig-Godeschalk A, Valido E, Bertolo A, Stucki G, Stoyanov J. The feasibility of a crossover, randomized controlled trial design to assess the effect of probiotics and prebiotics on health of elite Swiss para-athletes: a study protocol. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:94. [PMID: 35477496 PMCID: PMC9044645 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01048-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) may cause an autonomic imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to deficits in colonic motility, mucosal secretions, vascular tone, and an increase of intestinal barrier permeability. Autonomic denervation and factors such as age, physical activity, antibiotic use and stress may cause intestinal bacterial translocation, decreased microbiota diversity, known as gut dysbiosis and thus increase susceptibility to experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort. Probiotic treatment in individuals with SCI may normalize the gut microbiota and improve overall health. We aim to assess the feasibility of probiotic and prebiotic intervention in athletes with SCI and collect information necessary for sample size calculation of a definite trial on improving health outcomes in para-athletes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Elite Swiss para-athletes (aged> 18 years), being shortlisted for the Paralympic Games 2021 in Tokyo or a member of a national team (n = 43), will be invited to participate in this single-center randomized crossover trial. Athletes suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, those currently taking antibiotics or other medication to alleviate gastro-intestinal complaints will not be eligible to be included in the study. Athletes will be randomized (1:1) to receive for 4 weeks a daily dose of either 3 g of probiotic preparation or 5 g of prebiotic (organic oat bran) supplementation in addition to usual diet, followed by a 4-week washout period or vice versa. The primary outcome is the feasibility of the study, measured by recruitment and dropout rates, feasibility of the measurements, acceptability and adherence to the intervention. Secondary outcomes include gastrointestinal health assessment, diet and training information, handgrip strength, blood diagnostic parameters, and intestinal microbiome characterization. The changes in clinically relevant secondary outcome values will be used to make a power calculation for definite trial. DISCUSSION This pilot trial will address two common challenges in SCI research: the difficulty to recruit enough participants for a sufficiently powered study and the ability to collect data within the limits of a realistic budget and time frame. Upon demonstrated feasibility of the intervention and study procedures, the intervention will be evaluated in a definitive controlled trial comprising a larger sample of para-athletes (elite, engaged, or recreationally active) individuals with a SCI. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04659408.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Glisic
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, CH-6207, Nottwil, Switzerland.,Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joelle L Flueck
- Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, CH-6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Ezra Valido
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, CH-6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Bertolo
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, CH-6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Gerold Stucki
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, CH-6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Jivko Stoyanov
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, CH-6207, Nottwil, Switzerland. .,Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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