Evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) influences the human gut microbiota composition, but its role is unclear because of dietary interference. The aim of this review is to clarify this issue from this new perspective in healthy individuals. Articles analyzing intestinal microbiota from fecal samples by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing were selected by searching the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until December 2020. For each study, methodological quality was assessed, and results about microbiota biodiversity indices, phylum and genus composition, and information on PA and diet were considered. From 997 potentially relevant articles, 10 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Five studies involved athletes, three were performed on active people classified on the basis of habitual PA level, and two among sedentary subjects undergoing exercise interventions. The majority of the studies reported higher variability and prevalence of the phylum Firmicutes (genera Ruminococcaceae or Fecalibacteria) in active compared to inactive individuals, especially in athletes. The assessment of diet as a possible confounder of PA/exercise effects was completed only in four studies. They reported a similar abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Paraprevotellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Veillonellaceae, which are involved in metabolic, protective, structural, and histological functions. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Little is known regarding the optimal timing of dysphagia assessment and PEG indication in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study aims to investigate the progression of dysphagia in a cohort of ALS patients and to analyse whether there are variables linked to a faster progression of dysphagia and faster indication of PEG placement. A retrospective cohort study in 108 individuals with ALS. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was performed 6 monthly until PEG indication or death. Dysphagia severity and PEG indication were assessed using Penetration Aspiration Scale. Progression Index (PI) analysed the risk of disease progression (fast/slow) in relation to dysphagia onset and PEG indication. Patients were grouped based on ALS onset and PI. Person-time incidence rates were computed considering dysphagia onset and PEG indication from ALS symptoms during the entire observation period and have been reported as monthly and 6-month rates. Cox regression survival analysis assessed dysphagia and PEG risk factors depending on onset. Person-time incidence rates of dysphagia progression and PEG risk were increased based on type of ALS onset and PI. Patients with a fast progressing disease and with bulbar onset (BO) show statistically significant increased risk of dysphagia (BO 178.10% hazard ratio (HR) = 2.781 P < 0.01; fast 181.10% HR 2.811 P < 0.01). Regarding PEG risk, fast patients and patients with BO had a statistically significant increased risk (fast 147.40% HR 2.474 P < 0.01, BO 165.40% HR 2.654 P < 0.01). Fast PI predicts the likelihood of faster progression of dysphagia and PEG indication and should be included in multidisciplinary assessments and considered in the design of future guidelines regarding dysphagia management in ALS patients.Level of Evidence Level IV.

Background:Overhead athletes are at a greater risk of developing scapular dyskinesis (SD). Although swimming is considered an overhead sport, information regarding SD in these athletes is scarce.Purpose:To determine the prevalence of SD in young, asymptomatic elite swimmers.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A total of 661 asymptomatic elite swimmers were enrolled in this study (344 male, 317 female; mean age, 15.83 ± 2.20 years). Anthropometric characteristics, training routine, and stroke specialty were recorded. SD was assessed using a dynamic test consisting of an examination of the shoulder blades throughout synchronous forward flexion motion in the sagittal plane and was deemed to be either present or absent. Each movement was repeated 5 times. These evaluations were performed with athletes at rest, before any training or competition. Statistical analysis was performed.Results:SD was detected in 56 (8.5%) participants. Type I SD was the most common (46.5%); male participants were 2 times as likely to have SD as female participants (39 male, 17 female; P < .01). No correlation was found between the dominant limb and side affected (P = .258); rather, a correlation was found between the breathing side and side affected, in that swimmers with a preferred breathing side were more prone to develop SD in the opposite shoulder (P < .05). Swimmers involved in long-distance races were found to have a greater risk of developing SD (P = .01).Conclusion:SD may be an asymptomatic condition in elite young swimmers and is present in 8.5% of these athletes. Early diagnosis may be useful for asymptomatic athletes with SD and to avoid its possible evolution to a symptomatic condition.

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