Eight weeks of resistance exercise improves mood state and intestinal permeability in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract To explore a potential link between resistance exercise and the gut‐brain axis, this study examined the impact of resistance exercise on intestinal permeability, as indicated by lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), and mood state in healthy adults. Sedentary participants ( n = 20; 39.5 ± 12.1 y; 27.4 ± 5.3 kg/m 2 ) were randomly assigned to the resistance exercise (REX) or wait‐listed control (CON) groups. REX participants strength trained 3× weekly (advancing from 45%–55% to 70%–80% 1RM for 3–4 sets over 8 weeks). Strength testing, evaluation of mood states, and collection of fasting blood occurred at baseline and weeks 4 and 8. At baseline, LBP concentrations were inversely correlated to all strength measures ( r range: −0.48 to −0.57; p < 0.05). The gain in total strength [(split squat left + right)/2 + bench press] was 45% higher for REX versus CON participants ( p = 0.019), and serum LBP concentrations fell 16% for REX participants and rose 9% in CON participants ( p = 0.014). Mood was significantly improved by resistance training versus control (but this improvement was not related to changes in LBP; r = −0.001). These findings support a role for resistance exercise in improving mood state and intestinal barrier function, but more research is warranted to further explore the effects of resistance training on the gut‐brain axis.