Anaerobic Exercise and Mental Acuity

The human gut microbiome, which houses over 2,000 distinct bacterial species, has recently been characterized as a highly influential force on the health and longevity of its host. By way of several distinct pathways comprising the "microbiome-gut-brain axis", this diverse population is known to communicate with the human brain in a bidirectional manner and is implicated in the pathophysiology of several metabolic and psychological disease states. The ability to support a healthy, diverse microbiome through modifiable behavioral interventions - such as diet and exercise - is a topic of growing interest. Most of the evidence pertaining to the relationship between physical activity and the gut-brain axis at this time, however, investigates the influence of aerobic exercise providing limited insight to how other modalities of physical activity may differ. Specifically, this study will examine the impact of an 8-week weight training protocol on gut microbiome metabolism and neurological health in healthy sedentary men. Participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention group or the waitlist control group.

Inclusion criteria

• free of any existing medical diagnoses
• willing and able to participate in moderate to vigorous exercise as determined by the ACSM Health/Fitness Facility Preparticipation Screening Questionnaire
• sedentary (defined as a score <14 on the Godin-Shepard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTQ))
• equipped with access to a complete gym

Exclusion criteria

• antibiotic use within the past six months
• prebiotic, probiotic, or high-dose antioxidant supplementation within the past 6 months
• smoker (cigarettes and/or marijuana)
• regular laxative use
• blood pressure >129/80 at baseline