Circuit training intervention for cognitive function, gut microbiota, and aging control: study protocol for a longitudinal, open-label randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Long-term exercise is increasingly considered an effective strategy to counteract cognitive decline associated with aging. Previous studies have indicated that circuit training exercises integrating aerobic and resistance modalities positively affect cognitive function. Furthermo...

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Main Authors: Keishi Soga, Michio Takahashi, Akari Uno, Takamitsu Sinada, Kentaro Oba, Keisei Kawashima, Yasuko Tatewaki, Taizen Nakase, Yasuyuki Taki
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-03-01
Series:Trials
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-025-08807-9
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author Keishi Soga
Michio Takahashi
Akari Uno
Takamitsu Sinada
Kentaro Oba
Keisei Kawashima
Yasuko Tatewaki
Taizen Nakase
Yasuyuki Taki
author_facet Keishi Soga
Michio Takahashi
Akari Uno
Takamitsu Sinada
Kentaro Oba
Keisei Kawashima
Yasuko Tatewaki
Taizen Nakase
Yasuyuki Taki
author_sort Keishi Soga
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Long-term exercise is increasingly considered an effective strategy to counteract cognitive decline associated with aging. Previous studies have indicated that circuit training exercises integrating aerobic and resistance modalities positively affect cognitive function. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence suggests that long-term exercise alters the gut microbiota, leading to an optimal environment for cognitive enhancement. Recent empirical evidence suggests that exercise plays a significant role in modulating aging-control factors at the protein level. Although the interaction between exercise and cognitive function is multifaceted, most studies have only examined a direct pathway from exercise to cognitive function. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the effects of long-term circuit training on cognitive function through a comprehensive analysis of factors such as gut microbiota and proteins related to aging control. Methods A total of fifty-one participants will be randomly assigned to either the circuit training or waitlist control group. The intervention group will participate in a circuit training program developed by Curves Japan Co., Ltd. two to three times weekly for 16 weeks. The control group will continue their usual daily routines without participating in any new active lifestyle program. The participants will undergo cognitive assessments at baseline and after the intervention. Fecal and blood samples for protein analysis will be collected before and after the intervention. The effect of exercise on cognition will be analyzed by comparing the measured outcomes before and after the intervention. The associations among these outcomes will be assessed using a linear mixed model and structural equation modeling approaches. Discussion This study aims to provide the first insights into the comprehensive effects of exercise on cognitive function from the perspectives of gut microbiota and aging control. The findings are expected to contribute to improving brain health and combating age-related cognitive decline. Furthermore, the findings may help establish new guidelines for future studies on the relationship between exercise and cognitive function.
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spelling doaj-art-4b92563bb54549e39f9474c910cda2132025-08-20T02:52:19ZengBMCTrials1745-62152025-03-0126111910.1186/s13063-025-08807-9Circuit training intervention for cognitive function, gut microbiota, and aging control: study protocol for a longitudinal, open-label randomized controlled trialKeishi Soga0Michio Takahashi1Akari Uno2Takamitsu Sinada3Kentaro Oba4Keisei Kawashima5Yasuko Tatewaki6Taizen Nakase7Yasuyuki Taki8Smart Aging Research Center, Tohoku UniversitySmart Aging Research Center, Tohoku UniversitySmart Aging Research Center, Tohoku UniversitySmart Aging Research Center, Tohoku UniversitySmart Aging Research Center, Tohoku UniversityDepartment of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku UniversityDepartment of Aging Research and Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku UniversityDepartment of Aging Research and Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku UniversitySmart Aging Research Center, Tohoku UniversityAbstract Background Long-term exercise is increasingly considered an effective strategy to counteract cognitive decline associated with aging. Previous studies have indicated that circuit training exercises integrating aerobic and resistance modalities positively affect cognitive function. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence suggests that long-term exercise alters the gut microbiota, leading to an optimal environment for cognitive enhancement. Recent empirical evidence suggests that exercise plays a significant role in modulating aging-control factors at the protein level. Although the interaction between exercise and cognitive function is multifaceted, most studies have only examined a direct pathway from exercise to cognitive function. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the effects of long-term circuit training on cognitive function through a comprehensive analysis of factors such as gut microbiota and proteins related to aging control. Methods A total of fifty-one participants will be randomly assigned to either the circuit training or waitlist control group. The intervention group will participate in a circuit training program developed by Curves Japan Co., Ltd. two to three times weekly for 16 weeks. The control group will continue their usual daily routines without participating in any new active lifestyle program. The participants will undergo cognitive assessments at baseline and after the intervention. Fecal and blood samples for protein analysis will be collected before and after the intervention. The effect of exercise on cognition will be analyzed by comparing the measured outcomes before and after the intervention. The associations among these outcomes will be assessed using a linear mixed model and structural equation modeling approaches. Discussion This study aims to provide the first insights into the comprehensive effects of exercise on cognitive function from the perspectives of gut microbiota and aging control. The findings are expected to contribute to improving brain health and combating age-related cognitive decline. Furthermore, the findings may help establish new guidelines for future studies on the relationship between exercise and cognitive function.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-025-08807-9
spellingShingle Keishi Soga
Michio Takahashi
Akari Uno
Takamitsu Sinada
Kentaro Oba
Keisei Kawashima
Yasuko Tatewaki
Taizen Nakase
Yasuyuki Taki
Circuit training intervention for cognitive function, gut microbiota, and aging control: study protocol for a longitudinal, open-label randomized controlled trial
Trials
title Circuit training intervention for cognitive function, gut microbiota, and aging control: study protocol for a longitudinal, open-label randomized controlled trial
title_full Circuit training intervention for cognitive function, gut microbiota, and aging control: study protocol for a longitudinal, open-label randomized controlled trial
title_fullStr Circuit training intervention for cognitive function, gut microbiota, and aging control: study protocol for a longitudinal, open-label randomized controlled trial
title_full_unstemmed Circuit training intervention for cognitive function, gut microbiota, and aging control: study protocol for a longitudinal, open-label randomized controlled trial
title_short Circuit training intervention for cognitive function, gut microbiota, and aging control: study protocol for a longitudinal, open-label randomized controlled trial
title_sort circuit training intervention for cognitive function gut microbiota and aging control study protocol for a longitudinal open label randomized controlled trial
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-025-08807-9
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