Title:Probiotic Influences on Motor Skills: A Review
Volume: 21
Issue: 12
Author(s): Robert Lalonde*Catherine Strazielle
Affiliation:
- Laboratory of Stress, Immunity, Pathogens (EA7300), Medical School, University of Lorraine, 54500, Vandoeuvre-les-
Nancy, France
Keywords:
Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, hepatic encephalopathy, motor coordination.
Abstract: The effects of probiotics have mostly been shown to be favorable on measures of anxiety
and stress. More recent experiments indicate single- and multi-strain probiotics in treating motorrelated
diseases. Initial studies in patients with Parkinson’s disease and Prader-Willi syndrome are
concordant with this hypothesis. In addition, probiotics improved motor coordination in normal animals
and models of Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury as well as grip
strength in hepatic encephalopathy. Further studies should delineate the most optimal bacterial profile
under each condition.