Habitual daily walking of at least 8,000 steps increases fecal acetate but not muscle mass in healthy young adults: A 3-month intervention study

Emiko Morita; Suguru Ando; Yumi Fukuyama; Yui Kikuchi; Sho Kumabe; Yoshihiro Yamashina

doi:10.55225/hppa.678

Authors

Emiko Morita Aino University, Graduate School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4815-9198
Suguru Ando Aino University, Graduate School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2309-6303
Yumi Fukuyama Aino University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy, Japan https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5069-0067
Yui Kikuchi Aino University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy, Japan https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8358-6892
Sho Kumabe Aino University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy, Japan https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5943-1652
Yoshihiro Yamashina Aino University, Graduate School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0169-5911

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55225/hppa.678

Keywords:

walking, short-chain fatty acids, skeletal muscle mass

Abstract

Purpose: Physical activity not only benefits musculoskeletal health but also influences gut microbiota and its metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Butyrate has been linked to muscle protein synthesis and the prevention of muscle loss; however, evidence in healthy young adults remains limited. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week increase in daily walking on fecal SCFA concentrations and muscle mass in healthy young adults.

Material and methods: Thirty adults in their 20s without regular exercise habits completed a single-arm intervention in which they were instructed to walk ≥8,000 steps/day. Anthropometry, physical activity, dietary intake, fecal SCFAs, and gut microbiota composition were assessed before and after intervention. SCFAs were analyzed by gas chromatography, and microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results: Mean daily steps increased from 7,334 ± 1,939 to 8,344 ± 1,824 (p = 0.028). Total fecal SCFA concentrations rose significantly (4.50 ± 1.69 to 5.80 ± 2.37 μmol/g, p = 0.019), primarily due to acetate (2.20 ± 0.83 to 2.76 ± 1.33 μmol/g, p = 0.004). No significant changes were observed in propionate, n-butyrate, or the relative abundance of major butyrate-producing taxa. Skeletal Muscle Mass Index remained unchanged, and SCFA changes were not correlated with muscle mass.

Conclusions: Increasing daily walking to approximately 8,000 steps elevates fecal SCFA production, particularly acetate, in healthy young adults but does not appear sufficient to promote short-term muscle mass gains. Integrating physical activity with dietary strategies that stimulate butyrate production may be necessary to optimize muscle health through the gut–muscle axis.

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