Differential Effects of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Exercise on Skeletal Muscle Function in High-Fat Diet–Induced Obese Mice: Integration of Gut Microbiota and Metabolomics - Report - MDSpire

Differential Effects of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Exercise on Skeletal Muscle Function in High-Fat Diet–Induced Obese Mice: Integration of Gut Microbiota and Metabolomics

  • By

  • Wang, Yefan

  • Gao, Pengpeng

  • Hao, Zijun

  • Cui, Jinjing

  • Song, Faying

  • Wu, Lijun

  • May 28, 2026

  • 0 min

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Comparative Impact of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Exercise on Skeletal Muscle Performance

Overview

This study investigates how different exercise modalities affect gut microbiota and metabolic profiles in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Findings indicate that combined exercise yields the most significant improvements in skeletal muscle function and morphology.

Background

Obesity is a major public health concern linked to various metabolic disorders. Understanding the impact of exercise on muscle performance and gut microbiota can provide insights into effective interventions for obesity-related complications. This study explores the differential effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise on these parameters in a controlled animal model.

Data Highlights

GroupTreadmill EnduranceRelative Grip StrengthMuscle Fiber Morphology
HFDecreasedDecreasedPathological alterations
HFAImprovedImprovedModerate improvement
HFRImprovedImprovedSignificant improvement
HFARMost improvedMost improvedBest morphology

Key Findings

  • All exercise groups improved treadmill endurance and grip strength compared to the high-fat diet group.
  • The combined exercise group (HFAR) showed the most pronounced effects on muscle fiber morphology and mtDNA content.
  • Exercise interventions restored gut microbiota diversity, with the HFAR group exhibiting the greatest improvement.
  • Specific microbial changes were identified, including enrichment of Blautia in the resistance group and Romboutsia in the combined exercise group.
  • Metabolomic analysis revealed 278 differential metabolites with unique regulatory patterns based on exercise modality.

Clinical Implications

These findings suggest that different exercise modalities can be strategically employed to improve muscle function and metabolic health in obese populations. The modulation of gut microbiota may also play a role in these improvements, warranting further investigation.

Conclusion

Aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise differentially enhance skeletal muscle performance and gut microbiota in obese mice. These results highlight the importance of exercise modality in managing obesity-related muscle dysfunction.

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