Effects of a 5-Week Probiotic Supplementation Intervention on Markers of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

NCT07219498 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Probiotic Supplementation
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 24
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how probiotic supplementation (PS) influences post-exercise recovery in healthy, physically active young adults. Researchers aim to determine if the Lactobacillus casei probiotic strain reduces symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) based on perceived muscle soreness, pressure pain threshold, and power output following exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD).

Conditions

Exercise Induced Muscle Damage; Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Change in perceived muscle soreness

  Visual Analog Scale for perceived muscle soreness Each number on the scale will be designated with a descriptive word that corresponds to the soreness level they are experiencing. The scale will be laid out in order of increasing muscle soreness with "1" representing no pain.

  From baseline to post 5-week intervention

• Change in pressure pain threshold (PPT)

  Calf pressure pain threshold (PPT) will be assessed by placing marks on the medial condyle of the femur and the posterior of the medial malleolus. The researcher will place the algometer on the muscle belly exactly halfway between the two marks. Volunteers will be instructed to specify when the first onset of pain occurs as the researcher gradually applies pressure. Quadricep measurements will involve the participant lying in the supine position where marks will be made on the anterior inferior iliac spine and the top of the patella so the researchers can once again find a point exactly halfway between these two locations to apply the algometer. Participants will be instructed to verbally indicate to the researcher when the onset of pain occurs as pressure is applied.

  From baseline to post 5-week intervention

• Change in countermovement jump assessment (CMJ) performance recovery

  The researchers will demonstrate and instruct volunteers to "Stand upright with their hands above their head. When you are ready, bend your knees and stick your hips back while keeping your hands to your hips. Jump as high as possible and land softly." Participants will perform three CMJs separated by 60 seconds. Jump height will be recorded in cm and the highest value will be recorded.

  From baseline to post 5-week intervention

Study Arms (2)

Probiotic Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Dietary Supplement: Lactobacillus casei

Placebo Group

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

Other: Placebo Capsule(s)

Interventions

Lactobacillus casei DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Probiohealth is the manufacturer of this strain and they use a stringent quality control program that utilizes a multi point product variability check system.

Probiotic Group

Placebo Capsule(s) OTHER

The brand name of placebo capsules that will be used in this study is Magic Bullet Placebo Capsules. This placebo is manufactured by Progressive Placebo as stated on the product label.

Placebo Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• complete a minimum of 150 minutes a week of at least moderate intensity exercise in either an endurance-based or resistance-based training style based on a self-reported physical activity over the past month
• good general health with no injuries or health conditions that would affect physical activity
• willing to abstain from consistent NSAID use and other probiotic supplements over the course of this study

You may not qualify if:

• known musculoskeletal injuries or physical limitations that could interfere with performing the designated physical activity required
• underlying conditions that could place them at an increased risk during exercise such as cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic diseases
• currently take a probiotic supplement, are prescribed and taking an antibiotic during the intervention, or report using NSAIDs or steroids within the recovery time window
• report using an NSAID more than twice a week on a regular basis

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Minnesota: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

RECRUITING

Study Officials

• Mary Stenson

  University of Minnesota

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Jakob Fischer

CONTACT

507-236-8051; fisc0887@d.umn.edu

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: QUADRUPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: October 17, 2025
• First Posted: October 22, 2025
• Study Start: February 5, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2026
• Last Updated: May 4, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)