Effects of High-Intensity Multimodal Training and Concurrent Training on Gut Microbiota, Body Composition, and Metabolic Status in Overweight and Obese Men

Investigating the effects of high-intensity multimodal and concurrent training on the abundance of gut bacteria associated with obesity, and body composition, physical fitness, lipid profile, blood glucose, and insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese men Investigating the relationship between changes in the abundance of gut bacteria associated with obesity, with changes in body composition, physical fitness, lipid profile, blood glucose, and insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese men

A stratified, randomized, two-arm parallel group clinical trial with randomization based on BMI, age, and activity level, using the Excel random function, with at least 12 participants per group.

Participants will be recruited in Isfahan and, if eligible, will sign an informed consent. Blood and stool samples will be collected, and Body composition analysis and physical fitness tests will be performed. Participants will then be randomly assigned to one of two exercise protocols (high-intensity multimodal or concurrent training) for 2 months, three times a week. Blood tests for glucose and lipid profiles will be conducted in Isfahan, while stool samples will be stored at -80°C and sent to Tehran University’s Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center.

Young men (18-40 years old) with a body mass index in the overweight or obese range (25-30) who are in proper physical condition to participate in the exercises and have no diseases, medications, or conditions that would significantly affect the gut microbiome.

Intervention group 1: Undergo two months of high-intensity multimodal training. Intervention group 2: Undergo two months concurrent training.

Investigating and comparing the effects of high-intensity multimodal and concurrent training on obesity-related gut microbiota.

Unit of Randomization: Randomization will be performed at the individual level. Randomization Method: Stratified randomization based on Body Mass Index (overweight or class 1 obesity range) will be used to ensure a balanced distribution of this potential confounding variable between groups. Randomization Tool: The random sequence will be generated using the RAND function in Excel. Allocation Concealment and Blinding: Participants will not be informed of their assigned training group until the intervention begins. Due to the nature of the intervention, blinding of participants and trainers is not possible. However, outcome assessors for blood and microbiological tests will be blinded to group assignments.