Table 3 Comparisons of SCFAs between the physical activity groups.

From: Increased physical activity improves gut microbiota composition and reduces short-chain fatty acid concentrations in older adults with insomnia

SCFAs (μmol per gram dry feces)

Lower physical activity (less active) (n = 18)

Higher physical activity (more active) (n = 31)

U statistic (Z)

p

η2

Acetate

149.31 ± 52.81 (Med = 140.68, IQR = 111.76–179.72)

129.44 ± 55.42 (Med = 118.60, IQR = 83.23–167.61)

216 (− 1.3)

0.196

 

Propionate

26.7 ± 14.48 (Med = 26.78, IQR = 12.94–41.50)

14.37 ± 6.79 (Med = 13.29, IQR = 9.51 – 18.45)

124.5 (− 2.74)

0.005

0.16

Isobutyrate

0.96 ± 1.63 (Med = 0, IQR = 0–1.76)

0.09 ± 0.33 (Med = 0, IQR = 0–02)

164 (− 1.99)

0.04

0.05

Butyrate

41.94 ± 28.44 (Med = 34.21, IQR = 19.50–55.44)

31.2 ± 20.71 (Med = 24.31, IQR = 15.42–41.42)

211 (− 1.41)

0.162

 

Isovalerate

2.24 ± 1.87 (Med = 1.50, IQR = 0.84–4.05)

1.50 ± 1.43 (Med = 1.23, IQR = 0.35–2.08)

212.5 (− 1.38)

0.172

 

Valerate

3.98 ± 2.99 (Med = 3.10, IQR = 1.45–5.53)

1.94 ± 1.47 (Med = 1.59, IQR = 0.86–2.64)

147.5 (− 2.48)

0.012

0.13

Total SCFAs

226.34 ± 95.31 (Med = 213.02, IQR = 147.52–308.23)

170.35 ± 69.57 (Med = 156.16, IQR = 119.82–214.50)

171 (− 1.97)

0.049

0.08

  1. Data are presented as mean ± SD (median, IQR).
  2. Eta-squared (η2) is reported only for significant comparisons.
  3. SCFA short-chain fatty acids, Med median, IQR interquartile range, η2 Eta-squared.
  4. Bold values denote statistical significance at the p < 0.05 level.
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