Deterioration of physical condition causes not only decreased physical fitness but also immunodeficiency, digestive dysfunction, and gastrointestinal complaints (abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, etc.). Patients with abnormalities in lower leg have been in trouble about defecation and gut dysbiosis, which related to some symptom such as fatigability, mood disturbance, and metabolic disorder. However, it is not understood the gastrointestinal condition and gut microbiome in the sitting category para-athlete. The aim of the present study was to investigate the stool status and microbiome in the sitting category para-athlete. Eighteen para-athletes were participated in the study and were divided to the performing with wheelchair sitting category group and without wheelchair standing category group. The participants were evaluated their stool status and gut microbiome. Principal component analysis and dendrogram analysis revealed the sitting group have a specific cluster of gut microbiomes. Especially, the abundance of Bacteroides genes was significantly higher and Prevotella genus was significantly lower in the sitting group than that of the standing group. The diversity of gut microbiome was correlated with immune function and diarrhea pattern. These findings suggested that sitting category para-athlete have a specific gut microbiome composition and diversity related to stool pattern. Therefore, gastrointestinal status may be important factor for maintaining physical condition in sitting category with wheelchair para-athletes.
https://ror.org/01tx1rq25 
