Gut-derived interoceptive circuits can provide a microbiome-dependent basis for inter-individual differences in workout, as depicted in an article published in ‘Nature’. Interoceptomimetic molecules play a crucial role in encouraging the conduction of gut-derived signals to the brain which may promote the motivation for workout or exercise. To determine the mechanisms governing a person’s motivation to participate in physical activity, Lenka Dohnalova et al. reported on the finding of a gut–brain association in mice that improves exercise routine by boosting dopamine signalling during workout.

Motivating pleasure derived from sustained physical activity is an essential factor in stimulating engagement in both competitive and leisure exercise. It is known to be triggered by neurochemical changes in the brain due to physical activity. The study authors found that microbiome-dependent assembly of endocannabinoid metabolites in the intestinal microbiota motivates the action of transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1)-conveying sensory neurons.

This, in turn, raises the level of dopamine in the ventral striatum (part of the brain that affects motivation, reward, etc.) during workout and improve running performance. On the other hand, exercise capacity is negatively affected due to microbiome exhaustion, peripheral endogenous cannabinoid receptor inhibition, ablation of afferent neurons or dopamine obstruction. Hence, a microbiome-dependent gut–brain pathway aids in the regulation of motivation for exercise.