👩 Medical background
In nature, the balance is determined by two opposing forces: the constant maintenance of physical readiness to obtain food versus the conservation of energy to exert effort. Chronic illnesses are associated with altered metabolism, whether cancer or diabetes, and it is somewhat typical to find a decline in physical performance in the background.
The consequence of this imbalance is that the complex metabolic systems that provide the energy requirements for physical performance sustaining forms of exercise (such as running) simply collapse: there is no need for the biochemical pathways and structures that provide the energy requirements for sustained, low-intensity exercise, because the short-term energy requirements of most physical activities can be provided by systems (mainly carbohydrate metabolism) that are normally used only for temporary performance enhancement. The change in metabolism is due to the fact that it is easier - although undoubtedly more dangerous in the long term - for the body to use easily ingested carbohydrate than to rely constantly on, for example, fat metabolism.
The human body is able to use fat, carbohydrates and, in extreme circumstances, protein to provide energy for its functioning. Chemical energy is converted into kinetic energy to the greatest extent by skeletal muscles. It is therefore inevitable that one of the ways of dealing with chronic illness is to restore these muscles to full function, and running is the best way to do this.
👟 A The MicroBiome Run
One of the key aspects of metabolism is the balance of sugar and fat utilization, which is best ensured by physical exercise at optimal intensity, regularly and with adequate rest and recovery. In order to restore the body's ability to function in a stable and long-lasting way at low effort, a specific intensity of exercise must be practised and developed. The initial challenge is precisely that the body is unprepared and can easily be overwhelmed by too much intense muscle work, because of expectations for one's own physical development and the lack of experience. This can lead not only to injury but also to further deterioration of metabolic processes.
Through MicroBiome Run as a programme, we teach participants what to expect from their own body, provide the advice they need to move forward, monitor their progress and adapt the workload to their health challenges. The aim of the programme is to achieve a new level of physical fitness where metabolism is restored and daily activities can be carried out with ease.
MicroBiome Run aims to improve the quality of life, which is increasingly important for everyone as life expectancy increases. In cases where it is deemed that the restoration of systems that interact with the body (such as the human microbiota) cannot be achieved through lifestyle changes alone or would be too demanding for the participant, we also provide the option of medical restoration of bacterial homeostasis. The ultimate goal is to achieve a new state of physical strength where your metabolism is restored and your everyday activities are carried out with ease.
🖥 IT Background
The original aim of the MicroBiomeRun was to change the lives of 10 people. However, given the overwhelming interest in the programme, we set out to develop a system that would allow us to monitor a significantly larger number of participants at a time. We also undertook to meet the challenges of increased traffic, while at the same time expecting a much greater level of patience from those who join the programme. The IT system is designed to track the basic physical parameters of each MicroBiome Run participant and help them to make lifestyle changes. The numbers in the physical data table are only indicators, not targets to be achieved.
🗓 Timeframe
The pre-planned duration of the MicroBiome Run for all participants is 180 days, which can be extended if necessary. After six months, it is clear that someone is able to complete the work they have started on their own, without any further assistance, in which case they are considered to have successfully completed the programme.
Of course, for a number of reasons (illness, accident, family situation), it is possible that someone may have to suspend their participation, in which case we will discuss the next steps once the difficulties have been overcome.
📈 Impact to be achieved
Our aim is that by the end of the 180 days, participants will have developed an easy-to-follow daily and weekly routine, where running and cross-training sessions are no longer an obstacle to overcome, but a joyful activity that is part of the day. In terms of health parameters, the aim is to achieve a 6-8% weight loss by the end of the 180 days, to eat twice a day without starving and to improve general fitness.
