Effect of Physical Activity and/or Probiotics on Body Composition and Physiological Parameters in Women (AP-Pro-Fem)

This is a prospective, comparative, double-blind, randomized, monocentric study.

The objective of this project is to evaluate the effects on health of probiotic supplementation (PS) with or without physical activity (PA). Participants who meet the study criteria will be randomized into 4 groups: probiotic and physical activity group (A+), probiotic and non-physical activity group (A-), placebo and physical activity group (T+), placebo and non-physical activity group (T-).

The probiotics used are Lactibiane® Reference provided by Pileje Laboratory. The study population are healthy women (university students) who do not practice sports. A total of 120 participants will participate.

At inclusion, each participant will undergo a medical examination, collect microbiota and salivary samples and perform different tests (questionnaires, assessments of strength and endurance). Then, a follow up phase will last 6 weeks. Each participant will receive a pillbox containing capsules (probiotic or placebo in a double-blind manner). Participants which randomized in the PA groups (A+ and A-) will perform 2 physical activity sessions per week for 6 weeks. At the end of this follow up phase, tests conducting during inclusion will be performed again.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Healthy Women
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Microbiota sample; Other: Salivary sample; Other: Quality of life questionnaires; Other: Nutritional evaluation; Other: Assessment of physical health; Other: Physical activity; Other: Treatment with placebo or probiotic

Detailed Description

Rationale: Nowadays, the intestinal microbiota is recognized as a significant factor in the health of the host organism. It has an impact on the immune system, the hypothalamo-hypophyseal adrenal axis, the overall state of the individual such as body composition and muscle activity. The intestinal microbiota has also an impact on digestion and associated problems. However, its balance is fragile and can be easily disrupted by a diet rich in proteins or carbohydrates, medications, contraceptive use or lack of physical activity (PA).To restore this balance, subjects may modify their diet, take probiotic supplements (PS) or engage in physical activity. Currently, studies remain limited, particularly regarding effects of physical activity and/or probiotic have never been explored especially in women. The objective of this project is therefore to explore effects of PS and/or PA on the mental and physical health of the holobiont.

Method: Each participant will, during an initial visit, undergo a medical examination (ECG, anthropometric measurements) to ensure there are no contraindications to engaging in physical activity or taking probiotics. Then, we will conduct the first collections of intestinal microbiota and salivary cortisol, initial evaluations of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem (indicators of mental health with questionnaires), as well as assessments of strength and endurance (indicators of physical health), body composition, and nutritional parameters. Following this, participants will be assigned to experimental groups, and we will distribute pillboxes containing capsules (probiotic or placebo in a double-blind manner). Participants in the PA groups (A+ and A-) will perform two 45-minute physical activity sessions per week for 6 weeks, consisting of muscle strengthening and endurance exercises. Participants in the sedentary groups (T+ and T-) will be contacted by phone once a week to ensure proper protocol adherence. At the end of the 6 weeks, we will repeat the tests conducted during the initial visit.

Probiotics: The probiotics used are Lactibiane® Reference, composed of 4 probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium longum LA101, Lactobacillus helveticus LA102, Lactobacillus lactis LA103, Streptococcus thermophilus LA104) dosed at 10 billion per capsule provided by Pileje laboratory. Placebos are also provided by Pileje laboratory.

Statistics: Having no proven hypothesis on the effect of physical activity and/or probiotic supplementation on the population, we started with inclusion of 120 participants in total. This will allow to highlight a moderate effect size (0.25) for the primary endpoint, under the hypothesis of an alpha risk of 0.05, with a power of 80%. and representing 20% lost to follow-up.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 120
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Virgile AMIOT, Doctor; Phone Number: +33 0238514785; Email: virgile.amiot@chu-orleans.fr

Study Locations

• France
  • Orléans, France, 45067
    • Recruiting
    • Center Hospitalier Universitaire d'Orléans
    • Contact: Virgile AMIOT, Doctor; Phone Number: +33 0238514785; Email: virgile.amiot@chu-orleans.fr

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Being female
2. Age ≥ 18 years old
3. Have a BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2
4. Be registered as a student at the University of Orléans
5. Be non-athletic
6. Have no contraindication to the practice of physical activity
7. All participants must sign informed consent before the start of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Smokers >10 cigarettes per day
2. Having treatment for a pathology at the time of inclusion
3. Taking a probiotic supplement during the last month prior to inclusion
4. Practice physical activity regularly (150 minutes/week of moderate physical activity according to the WHO)
5. Participant under guardianship or curators
6. Pregnant or breastfeeding women
7. Menopausal women
8. Allergy to any excipient known to be present in the probiotic or placebo formulation

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Double

Number of Arms

4

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: A+ group (probiotic and physical activity); Microbiota sample Salivary sample Quality of life questionnaires Nutritional evaluation Assessment of physical health Physical activity Treatment with placebo or probiotic	Other: Microbiota sample; Microbiota sample: one sample at inclusion and one sample at the end of the study; Other: Salivary sample; Salivary sample: one sample at inclusion and one sample at the end of the study. In the morning, on an empty stomach.; Other: Quality of life questionnaires; Quality of life questionnaires: 5 auto-questionnaires to be filled at inclusion and at the end of the study; Other: Nutritional evaluation; Nutritional evaluation: food diary completed by participants for 3 consecutive days at inclusion and at the end of the study; Other: Assessment of physical health; Assessment of physical health : 3 tests to assess strength and endurance. These tests will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study.; Other: Physical activity; Physical activity: 2 sessions per week for 6 weeks. For each session, 45 minutes of physical activity consisting of muscle strengthening and endurance exercises.; Other: Treatment with placebo or probiotic; Treatment with placebo or probiotic: 1 capsule per day during 42 consecutive days. In the morning, on an empty stomach with a large glass of water 20 minutes before the meal
Experimental: A- group (probiotic and non-physical activity); Microbiota sample Salivary sample Quality of life questionnaires Nutritional evaluation Assessment of physical health Physical activity Treatment with placebo or probiotic	Other: Microbiota sample; Microbiota sample: one sample at inclusion and one sample at the end of the study; Other: Salivary sample; Salivary sample: one sample at inclusion and one sample at the end of the study. In the morning, on an empty stomach.; Other: Quality of life questionnaires; Quality of life questionnaires: 5 auto-questionnaires to be filled at inclusion and at the end of the study; Other: Nutritional evaluation; Nutritional evaluation: food diary completed by participants for 3 consecutive days at inclusion and at the end of the study; Other: Assessment of physical health; Assessment of physical health : 3 tests to assess strength and endurance. These tests will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study.; Other: Physical activity; Physical activity: 2 sessions per week for 6 weeks. For each session, 45 minutes of physical activity consisting of muscle strengthening and endurance exercises.; Other: Treatment with placebo or probiotic; Treatment with placebo or probiotic: 1 capsule per day during 42 consecutive days. In the morning, on an empty stomach with a large glass of water 20 minutes before the meal
Experimental: T+ group (placebo and physical activity); Microbiota sample Salivary sample Quality of life questionnaires Nutritional evaluation Assessment of physical health Physical activity Treatment with placebo or probiotic	Other: Microbiota sample; Microbiota sample: one sample at inclusion and one sample at the end of the study; Other: Salivary sample; Salivary sample: one sample at inclusion and one sample at the end of the study. In the morning, on an empty stomach.; Other: Quality of life questionnaires; Quality of life questionnaires: 5 auto-questionnaires to be filled at inclusion and at the end of the study; Other: Nutritional evaluation; Nutritional evaluation: food diary completed by participants for 3 consecutive days at inclusion and at the end of the study; Other: Assessment of physical health; Assessment of physical health : 3 tests to assess strength and endurance. These tests will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study.; Other: Treatment with placebo or probiotic; Treatment with placebo or probiotic: 1 capsule per day during 42 consecutive days. In the morning, on an empty stomach with a large glass of water 20 minutes before the meal
Experimental: T- group (placebo and non-physical activity); Microbiota sample Salivary sample Quality of life questionnaires Nutritional evaluation Assessment of physical health Physical activity Treatment with placebo or probiotic	Other: Microbiota sample; Microbiota sample: one sample at inclusion and one sample at the end of the study; Other: Salivary sample; Salivary sample: one sample at inclusion and one sample at the end of the study. In the morning, on an empty stomach.; Other: Quality of life questionnaires; Quality of life questionnaires: 5 auto-questionnaires to be filled at inclusion and at the end of the study; Other: Nutritional evaluation; Nutritional evaluation: food diary completed by participants for 3 consecutive days at inclusion and at the end of the study; Other: Assessment of physical health; Assessment of physical health : 3 tests to assess strength and endurance. These tests will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study.; Other: Treatment with placebo or probiotic; Treatment with placebo or probiotic: 1 capsule per day during 42 consecutive days. In the morning, on an empty stomach with a large glass of water 20 minutes before the meal

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Effect of physical activity on muscle mass in healthy women	Assessment of muscle mass with an impedance meter	Measure of muscle mass will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on muscle mass in healthy women	Assessment of muscle mass with an impedance meter	Measure of muscle mass will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Effect of physical activity on physical condition	Test for endurance	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of physical activity on physical condition	Test for upper limb (grip strength)	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of physical activity on physical condition	Test for lower limb (horizontal press test)	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on physical condition	Test for upper limb (grip strength)	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on physical condition	Test for lower limb (horizontal press test)	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on physical condition	Test for endurance	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of physical activity on eating behavior	Eating behavior: food diary completed by participants for 3 consecutive days. Using specific software (nutrilog), analysis of quantitative energy intake (macronutrients and micronutrients)	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on eating behavior	Eating behavior: food diary completed by participants for 3 consecutive days. Using specific software (nutrilog), analysis of quantitative energy intake (macronutrients and micronutrients)	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
effect of prebiotics naturally present in food on the composition of the microbiota	effect of prebiotics: food diary completed by participants for 3 consecutive days. Using specific software (nutrilog), analysis of the content of foods rich in prebiotics (foods rich in fiber) in the diet.	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of physical activity on microbiota	Microbiota: samples of stool with specific kit (MT0001G Gut Alive). Identify bacterial composition with 16S RNA sequencing	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on microbiota	Microbiota: samples of stool with specific kit (MT0001G Gut Alive). Identify bacterial composition with 16S RNA sequencing	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
. Effect of physical activity on salivary cortisol	Salivary cortisol: samples of saliva with specific kit ("salitubes"). Free fraction of cortisol will be analysed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
. Effect of probiotic supplementation on salivary cortisol	Salivary cortisol: samples of saliva with specific kit ("salitubes"). Free fraction of cortisol will be analysed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
. Effect of physical activity on quality of life	Quality of life with MOS-SF36 questionnaire	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
. Effect of physical activity on quality of life	Anxiety, depression with HAD questionnaire	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
. Effect of physical activity on quality of life	Self-esteem with ISP-25 questionnaire	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
. Effect of physical activity on quality of life	Effects of dietary supplement with EPCA questionnaire	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
. Effect of physical activity on quality of life	Daily physical activity with IPAQ questionnaire	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on quality of life	Quality of life with MOS-SF36 questionnaire	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on quality of life	Anxiety, depression with HAD questionnaire	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on quality of life	Self-esteem with ISP-25 questionnaire	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on quality of life	Effects of dietary supplement with EPCA questionnaire	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on quality of life	Daily physical activity with IPAQ questionnaire	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of physical activity on fat mass	Fat mass: assessment of fat mass with an impedance meter	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)
Effect of probiotic supplementation on fat mass	Fat mass: assessment of fat mass with an impedance meter	Measure of secondary endpoints will be performed at inclusion and at the end of the study (an average of 2 months after inclusion)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Virgile AMIOT, Doctor, CHU Orléans

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Angelakis E, Armougom F, Million M, Raoult D. The relationship between gut microbiota and weight gain in humans. Future Microbiol. 2012 Jan;7(1):91-109. doi: 10.2217/fmb.11.142.
• Allen JM, Mailing LJ, Niemiro GM, Moore R, Cook MD, White BA, Holscher HD, Woods JA. Exercise Alters Gut Microbiota Composition and Function in Lean and Obese Humans. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2018 Apr;50(4):747-757. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001495.
• Aya V, Jimenez P, Munoz E, Ramirez JD. Effects of exercise and physical activity on gut microbiota composition and function in older adults: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr. 2023 Jun 12;23(1):364. doi: 10.1186/s12877-023-04066-y.
• Abenavoli L, Scarpellini E, Colica C, Boccuto L, Salehi B, Sharifi-Rad J, Aiello V, Romano B, De Lorenzo A, Izzo AA, Capasso R. Gut Microbiota and Obesity: A Role for Probiotics. Nutrients. 2019 Nov 7;11(11):2690. doi: 10.3390/nu11112690.
• Alvarez-Arrano V, Martin-Pelaez S. Effects of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Weight Loss in Subjects with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2021 Oct 17;13(10):3627. doi: 10.3390/nu13103627.
• Aya V, Florez A, Perez L, Ramirez JD. Association between physical activity and changes in intestinal microbiota composition: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2021 Feb 25;16(2):e0247039. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247039. eCollection 2021.
• Bastianelli C, Farris M, Bianchi P, Benagiano G. The effect of different contraceptive methods on the vaginal microbiome. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2021 Jul;14(7):821-836. doi: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1917373. Epub 2021 Apr 23.
• Boisseau N, Barnich N, Koechlin-Ramonatxo C. The Nutrition-Microbiota-Physical Activity Triad: An Inspiring New Concept for Health and Sports Performance. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 22;14(5):924. doi: 10.3390/nu14050924.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): September 16, 2024
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 15, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 15, 2027

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: September 4, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 17, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): December 24, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): December 30, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 22, 2025
• Last Verified: December 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Microbiota; Probiotics; Physical activity; Health; women
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Behavior; Motor Activity; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena; Dietary Supplements; Food; Diet, Food, and Nutrition; Physiological Phenomena; Food and Beverages; Exercise; Probiotics; Therapeutics
• Other Study ID Numbers: CHUO-2024-01

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No