Influence of Exercise on Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated with Gut Microbiota: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The gut microbiota, a collection of populations of gut microbes, is responsible for a range of metabolic, immunological, structural and neurological functions, such as maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, development and maturation of the immune system, resistance to infection and production of neurotransmitters, microbial dysbi-osis, defined as a negative alteration in the diversity, structure or function of the gut microbiota, appears to contribute to the onset and maintenance of various disease states. The gut microbiota appears to be involved in the initiation and progression of some inflammatory diseases, and microbial dysbiosis has emerged as a poorly under-stood risk factor inducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and bacterial metabolites. These may persist and fuel the pathophysiological mechanisms of numer-ous diseases. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of musculoskeletal disorders associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and the possibility of treatment through physical exercise.