A new clinical study found Probiotic supplementation can aid in aerobic capacity improvements as well as anxiety and stress relief in athletes.
30 badminton players ages 18 to 30 participated in this randomized placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomly divided into a Probiotic group or a control group. The study lasted for 6 weeks. Participants underwent tests both before the intervention after the completion of the study. Body parameter data was collected using an InBody 500 bioelectrical impedance analysis, food intake was noted using three-day records, and anxiety levels were determined using the CSAI-2R (revised competitive state anxiety inventory). Aerobic capacity was testing using a 20 minute multi stage shuttle run test, a handgrip test and a vertical jump test were used to measure both hand and leg strength and a 40 minute dash and t-test were used to measure agility and speed.
Data after the six week study period indicated that the stress of the Probiotic group decreased by 20% and the anxiety levels of the Probiotic group decreased by 16% while there were no significant changes in either stress or anxiety levels in the Placebo group. The Probiotic group saw an almost 6% improvement in aerobic capacity although no influence was seen in agility, leg power, strength or speed.
Researchers believe the changes seen in anxiety and stress seen with Probiotic supplementation may be due to changes in the gut brain axis (GBA). It is believed that reductions in stress induced corticosterone secretions could be due to microbiota supplementation. This aids in reducing anxiety and depression related behaviors by improving brain expression of GABA receptors. Pathogenic bacteria have been known to increase anxiety like behaviors.
Probiotics may also trigger a GBA response by changing dopamine into noradrenaline in both the central and peripheral nervous systems which may reduce depressive behavior. The HPA (Hyptothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) Axis may also play a part in the anxiety reductions seen with Probiotic supplementation.
Prolonged and intense exercise has the potential to suppress immune function and impair sports performance. Researchers believe gut mircrobiotia play a role in the body’s energy system within a few minutes of muscle contraction when phosphocreatine levels diminish which result in the body’s need for additional fuels. The benefits of taking Probiotics to improve performance in sports were showcased in this study.
Larger studies are needed.
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