THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN MODULATING THE GUT MICROBIOTA AND ITS CONSEQUENCES FOR INTESTINAL HOMEOSTASIS AND METABOLISM - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Magdalena Mida; Magdalena Michalik; Urszula Majda; Anna Maruszak; Julia Kwiecień; Julia Stołtny; Justyna Goryczka; Magdalena Lisik; Witold Kimla; Natalia Hajok

doi:10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4850

Authors

Magdalena Mida Sosnowiec Municipal Hospital, Emila Zegadłowicza 3, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2815-6893
Magdalena Michalik Hospital of the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, ul. Trynitarska 11, 31-061, Cracow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6463-0802
Urszula Majda Jędrzej Śniadecki Specialist Hospital in Nowy Sącz, Młyńska 10, 33-300 Nowy Sącz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5144-2883
Anna Maruszak American Heart of Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2871-8800
Julia Kwiecień Municipal Hospital in Ruda Śląska, Wincentego Lipa 2, 41-703 Ruda Śląska, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2458-3224
Julia Stołtny Zagłębie Clinical Hospital in Czeladź, Szpitalna 40, 41-250 Czeladź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0162-1809
Justyna Goryczka District Hospital in Chrzanów, Topolowa 16, 32-500 Chrzanów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4660-8318
Magdalena Lisik Szpital Grochowski im. dr med. Rafała Masztaka SPZOZ, Grenadierów 51/59, 04-073 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6196-3386
Witold Kimla District Hospital in Chrzanów, Topolowa 16, 32-500 Chrzanów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0695-9541
Natalia Hajok Individual Medical Practice https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5305-6075

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4850

Keywords:

Gut Microbiota, Physical Activity, Microbiome, Athletes, Physical Performance, Gut Health

Abstract

Introduction: The gut microbiota is increasingly recognised as an important regulator of immune function, metabolic processes, intestinal barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. Both lifestyle factors and dietary habits, including the intake of fermented foods and probiotics, have been shown to influence its composition.

Objective: Our aim is to demonstrate how exercise can increase gut microbial diversity, which can be beneficial for athletes' performance, exercise capacity and recovery.

Materials and methods: The study is based on a variety of analyses from 1997 to 2026 that were found using PubMed and Google Scholar.

Results: Regular physical activity is associated with increased gut microbiota diversity, including a higher abundance of bacteria such as Akkermansia, Veillonella, Prevotella, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus. These changes are linked to improved intestinal function, enhanced athletic performance, and more efficient muscle recovery. In contrast, prolonged or excessive high-intensity exercise may impair intestinal integrity and contribute to dysbiosis.

Conclusion: Physical activity promotes a greater diversity of gut microbiota, which can improve bowel function, athletic performance, muscle recovery and appetite regulation. However, the available evidence suggests that training load and recovery strategies should be carefully balanced to avoid potential negative effects on gastrointestinal health.

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