Background/Objectives: The human gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that can influence our health and exercise habits. On the other hand, physical exercise can also impact our microbiome, affecting our health. Our narrative review examines the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and the gut microbiome, as well as the potential for targeted probiotic regimens to enhance sports performance. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review to select articles published up till January 2024 on the topics of physical exercise, sports, probiotics, and gut microbiota from major scientific databases, incorporating over 100 studies. Results: We found that the impact of physical activity on the gut microbiome varies with the type and intensity of exercise. Moderate exercise promotes a healthy immune system, while high-intensity exercise for a long duration can cause a leaky gut and consequent systemic inflammation, which may disrupt the microbial balance. Combining aerobic and resistance training significantly affects bacterial diversity, linked to a lower prevalence of chronic metabolic disorders. Furthermore, exercise enhances gut microbiome diversity, increases SCFA production, improves nutrient utilization, and modulates neural and hormonal pathways, improving gut barrier integrity. Our findings also showed probiotic supplementation is associated with decreased inflammation, enhanced sports performance, and fewer gastrointestinal disturbances, suggesting that the relationship between the gut microbiome and physical activity is mutually influential. Conclusions: The bidirectional relationship between physical activity and the gut microbiome is exemplified by how exercise can promote beneficial bacteria while a healthy gut microbiome can potentially enhance exercise ability through various mechanisms. These findings underscore the importance of adding potential tailored exercise regimens and probiotic supplementation that consider individual microbiome profiles into exercise programs.

Background: Digital health technology (DHT) plays an increasingly vital role in managing chronic diseases by enabling patients to actively manage their health. These tools have been shown to improve self-management and adherence to medical advice. However, for DHT to be fully effective, patients with chronic conditions must be digitally literate. The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), an 8‑item tool with scores ranging from 8 to 40, was developed to assess individuals’ perceived ability to find, evaluate, and apply digital health information. Assessing patients’ digital health literacy (DHL) and understanding the factors influencing it are essential for improving the accessibility and usability of health resources. Objective: This study aimed to assess DHL in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through a systematic review and meta‑analysis using eHEALS. We sought to determine average DHL scores, examine demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing DHL, and explore its impact on disease management to inform future strategies for enhancing DHL and improving chronic disease outcomes. Methods: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review across 7 databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, ERIC, CINAHL, Library Literature and Information Science Index, and Google Scholar) from inception to August 14, 2022, with an updated search in October 2024. Eligible studies included adults (≥18 years) with DM, hypertension, or RA who reported DHL data using eHEALS (8-40) and were original research published in English. Exclusion criteria included studies involving participants younger than 18 years, reviews, meta‑analyses, studies not addressing the target diseases, or non‑English publications. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle‑Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: Eight studies involving 2527 participants were included. The pooled mean eHEALS score was 27.03 (95% CI 25.08-28.98), indicating high overall DHL. Stratified by disease, scores were higher for DM (27.79) and hypertension (28.48) but lower for RA (24.74). Quality assessment indicated a high standard of included studies. Factors influencing DHL included age, education, employment, and perception of the internet as a health resource. Due to the limited number of studies, meta‑regression analysis could not be performed. Conclusions: DHL is critical for individuals with chronic conditions, empowering them to make informed decisions and manage their health effectively. However, the scarcity of studies limits comprehensive analysis of DHL determinants. While the internet offers abundant health information, unequal DHL and health skills remain barriers. More inclusive research is needed to fully understand DHL’s impact on health outcomes and mitigate disparities, ensuring equitable access to digital health resources and improving disease management.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has posed global medical challenges due to its ability to affect multiple organ systems. Among the post-COVID-19 complications, multisystem inflammatory syndrome has emerged as a severe condition affecting both children (MIS-C) and adults (MIS-A). This review aims to compile and analyze published data to investigate clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and outcomes of MIS post-COVID-19. A comprehensive search of various databases was conducted to identify studies reporting MIS-related complications in pediatric and adult populations post-COVID-19 infection. Screening, data extraction, and cross-checking were performed by two independent reviewers. Only 64 studies met our inclusion criteria, and compiled results revealed that cardiac complications were the predominant manifestation followed by gastrointestinal, hematologic, neurological, and mucocutaneous involvement. Laboratory findings consistently demonstrated elevated inflammatory markers including CRP, ferritin, D-dimer, and IL-6. Most patients required hospitalization, and many needed intensive care; treatment typically involved IVIG, corticosteroids, and biologic therapies. While most patients recovered, a subset experienced persistent complications. These findings highlight the importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary management, and structured follow-up for MIS. Future research is warranted to clarify the underlying mechanisms, risk factors, and long-term outcomes associated with MIS in post-COVID-19 patients.