Characteristics of the gut microbiome of Swiss elite athletes with a spinal cord injury: An exploratory study.

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), wheelcha

SUBMITTER: Valido E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12035930 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature