Feasibility and effects on the gut microbiota of a 12-week high-intensity interval training plus lifestyle education intervention on inactive adults with celiac disease

This study assessed the feasibility and benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) plus lifestyle education among inactive adults with celiac disease. Forty-one participants were randomized to receive the intervention (HIIT plus lifestyle education; HIIT+) for 12 weeks or waitlist control (WLC). Testing was completed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess changes in the outcome variables over time between the groups. Mean percent of age-predicted maximum heart rate was 97.9% and average rating of perceived exertion was 6.33 (out of 10) during HIIT intervals. Following the intervention, the HIIT+ showed enrichment in relative abundance of Parabacteroides and Defluviitaleaceae_UCG_011 while WLC showed enrichment in relative abundance of Roseburia intestinalis, Klebsiella, and Adlercreutzia. A unique set of taxa were differentially abundant between the groups at 3 months post-intervention. HIIT+ participants experienced a reduction in resting heart rate (−6.6 bpm) immediately post-intervention compared with WLC. Further research is needed to establish an optimal HIIT protocol that may improve maximal oxygen uptake and metabolic syndrome biomarkers. Findings from this pilot study provide preliminary evidence that an HIIT intervention is feasible for inactive adults with celiac disease and leads to favourable changes in resting heart rate alongside potentially beneficial shifts in gut microbiota. Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03520244. Novelty: HIIT leads to potentially beneficial changes in the gut microbiota of adults with celiac disease. An HIIT exercise intervention is feasible and well tolerated for patients with celiac disease.