Home-based exercise training influences gut bacterial levels in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is associated with gut microbiome alterations. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of home-based exercise on gut bacteria in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). We also examined the association of exercise-induced gut bacterial modulation with circulating levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Forty-two people with MS (female/male: 31/11, expanded disability scale status 0.05). Moreover, home-based exercise was associated with significant improvements in anxiety and depression (p 0.05). Akkermansia muciniphila, prevotella and bacteroides count changes in response to the intervention were correlated with changes in IL-10 (r = −0.052, r = 0.67, and r = −0.55, respectively). In general, our data revealed the effect of exercise on gut bacteria, especially prevotella, and akkermansia muciniphila counts, which can probably have a beneficial effect on MS disease pathology and course; however, the lack of changes in cytokines following exercise suggests the possible role of mechanisms other than modulation of circulating IL-10 and TNF- α levels. •Exercise training beneficially influence on MS disease through a positive effect on gut bacteria.•Exercise had no significant effect on cytokines, suggesting the role of other mechanisms of gut bacteria in MS pathology.•Home-based exercise was well tolerated by people with MS and had no adverse events.