Moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training modulate the composition of the oral microbiota of elderly adults: Randomized controlled trial

Objective We investigates the effects of 16-week high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on the composition of the oral microbiota. To the best of our knowledge, at the time of writing this paper no other scholars had described the oral metagenomic changes associated with prescribed exercise in older adults. Methods Forty-three participants aged 60–74 years were randomized 1:1:1 to a control group, high-intensity interval training or moderate-intensity continuous training twice weekly for 16 weeks. Saliva samples were sequenced at baseline, week 8 and week 16 of intervention. Results High-intensity interval training produced significant differences over time in Richness and a clear trend to decreased Simpson and Shannon diversity indices. In contrast, Simpson and Shannon indices showed an upward trend over time with moderate-intensity continuous training, which also decreased Firmicutes and increased Bacteroidetes levels. Significant differences in the abundance of pathogenic species were also observed after the participants completed the exercise interventions of either type. Conclusions Both types of exercise promoted subtle changes in the oral microbiota, confirming the modulatory effect of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on the oral microbiome.Clinical trial registration NCT05220670.