A recent study conducted in Taiwan suggests that daily supplementation with a specific probiotic strain could lead to a reduction in muscle fatigue and improved recovery after completing a half marathon. The research, carried out by The University of Taipei and Tamkang University, revealed that a four-week intake of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum PS128 (formerly known as Lactobacillus plantarum PS128) prior to running a half marathon prevented declines in various measures, including neuromuscular efficiency.
According to the researchers, “The PS128 supplementation might prevent the decrease in MDF [median power frequency], iEMG [integrated electromyography], and peak torque after HM [half-marathon].” They suggest that recreational runners may want to consider adopting a probiotic supplementation protocol as a potential strategy to alleviate muscle fatigue after completing a half marathon. The researchers recommend a 4-week probiotic supplementation regimen for recreational runners to mitigate post-half marathon muscle fatigue.
The study also delves into the relationship between the gut microbiome and athletic performance, highlighting the growing interest in how the gut microbiome is connected to performance and the potential benefits of modulating the microbiota through pre- and probiotics. A comprehensive review of the athletic gut microbiota revealed that much of the human research in this area has been conducted recently, with studies focusing on athletes such as rugby players, professional cyclists, elite distance runners, competitive walkers, and Olympic rowers.
The study specifically focused on the potential of L. plantarum PS128 to reduce muscle fatigue after a half marathon. The double-blind, repeated-measures study involved 16 participants who were randomly divided into two groups. One group received the probiotic PS128, while the other received a placebo for four weeks before running a half marathon. After a three-month washout period, the groups were switched, with each participating in another four weeks of supplementation followed by another half marathon.
The results indicated that the probiotic was associated with various protective effects in the days following the half marathon, suggesting that PS128 supplementation could be a potential strategy to mitigate muscle fatigue after completing a half marathon.
