Observed changes in the gut microbiome of officer cadet's performance Digestive System
Conditions
Interventions
This is a prospective observational cohort study that will follow service personnel across 44 weeks to identify the impact of adopting a military lifestyle on the gut microbiome and its response to mi
Sponsors
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Officer Cadets joining the Commissioning Courses in April/May or September 2023, or January 2024 2. No use of GI (Gastro-Intestinal) medications (e.g., laxatives, stool-softeners or antidiarrheals) 3. No probiotic use within last 3 months (probiotic enriched foods such as yoghurts are fine) 4. No GI (Gastro-Intestinal) related procedures in the past 3 months (Including enema, colonoscopy) 5. No antibiotic use within last 6 months 6. No known GI (Gastro-Intestinal)- related diseases, or major medical issues 7. No/limited previous military experience (training or active service for >6 consecutive months, and within 6 months of the training start date) 8. Able to give informed consent and collect stool samples
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Short term use of prescribed medication, where use is likely to or may change before the end of the study (next 44 weeks/11 months) 2. Infrequent bowel movement (fewer than 3 bowel movements a week) 3. Known to be pregnant
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Microbial Composition: Changes in microbiome structure and predicted function measured by whole genome DNA sequencing of longitudinal samples collected at 0, 14, 29, 39, and 42 weeks | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Correlation of wellbeing outcomes with blood biomarkers and performance outcomes will be performed using the following measures: 1.1. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress are measured using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) at weeks 0, 14, 29, and 42. 1.2. Sleep quality is measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at weeks 0, 14, 29, and 42. 1.3. Cognitive performance measured using a cognitive battery of tests (Reaction time (RTI) and Spatial Working Memory (SWM)) at weeks 0, 29, and 42. 1.4. Physical performance data recorded through routine fitness tests conducted as part of normal training (including 2km run, deadlift, and medicine ball throw) at weeks 0, 14 and 29. 1.5. Blood biomarkers (CRP, IL-6, Cortisol, LBP) measured using a mix of lab-based methods (ELISA, flow cytometry, Randox) at weeks 0, 14, 29, and 42 weeks 2. The feasibility of gut microbiome studies will be assessed within UK military populations using the following measures: 2.1. Subjective feedback from participants about barriers to compliance and recruitment measured using a qualitative questionnaire at the end of the study and reported to inform future research. 2.2. Sample attrition and uptake success measured using data recorded throughout the study | — |
Countries
England, United Kingdom
Contacts
Public ContactRosie ;Simon Young;Carding
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Outcome results
None listed