Bowel Frequency and Symptoms of Constipation and Its Relation With the Level of Physical Activity in Patients With Chagas Disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intestinal constipation (IC) in patients with the digestive form of Chagas disease is one of the main reasons for seeking medical care. Population data indicate that the practice of physical activity improves gastrointestinal motility. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the bowel frequency and symptoms of constipation and their relationship with the level of physical activity in patients with and without Chagas disease. METHODS: Patients (n=120) of both genres, aged between 35 and 84 years, in which 50% (n=60) were in the Chagas group and 50% (n=60) were in the control group, were evaluated regarding the level of IC using the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) and regarding the level of physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS - Patients in the Chagas group classified as active (IPAQ 2) had higher proportion (P=0.0235) of moderate IC with severe abdominal distension (P=0.0159) and decreased evacuation frequency (P=0.0281) than the patients in the control group, considered to be very active (IPAQ 1). The sedentary lifestyle was greater (P=0.0051) in the Chagas group with duration, intensity and frequency of physical activity lower than the control group. The health perception in the Chagas group was regular for 46.7% (P=0.0035) and poor for 8.3% (P=0.0244). CONCLUSION: There is a lower risk of developing intestinal constipation in more active individuals, evidencing that the level of physical activity interferes with bowel frequency and symptoms of constipation in patients with and without Chagas disease. The level of physical activity and health perception were worse in the Chagas group, reinforcing the disease stigma, which should be modified by the training of health professionals who routinely attend these patients.

Nursing care for people with Chagas disease: a scoping review

“…It should be noted that the practice of physical activity among people living with Chagas disease is an important tool for the prevention of intestinal signs and symptoms, which are often affected, because of the pathophysiological characteristics of Chagas disease 22 . It was also seen that physical training helps to improve the cardiac function of people with subclinical Chagas heart disease 23 .…”

Effect of Physical Activity on the Association Between Diet and Constipation: Evidence From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010

“… 35 Numerous studies have reported a potential association between PA and a reduced risk of constipation. 36 , 37 However, there are also differing viewpoints based on previous NHANES studies, which have indicated a weak correlation between insufficient PA and stool consistency or having bowel movements less than three times per week. 18 The effects of PA on constipation may vary depending on factors, such as exercise intensity, duration, and mode.…”

Diretriz da SBC sobre Diagnóstico e Tratamento de Pacientes com Cardiomiopatia da Doença de Chagas – 2023

“…Alguns trabalhos têm demonstrado que a prática de atividade física está associada à melhoria do trânsito intestinal, entretanto seus efeitos em indivíduos com a forma digestiva da DC ainda não foram investigados. 898 …”

“…Some studies have shown that the practice of physical exercises is associated with improvement in bowel transit, but its effects on individuals with the digestive form of CD have not been investigated. 898 …”

“…Alguns trabalhos têm demonstrado que a prática de atividade física está associada à melhoria do trânsito intestinal, entretanto seus efeitos em indivíduos com a forma digestiva da DC ainda não foram investigados. 898 Os efeitos da atividade física na CCDC foram objeto de trabalhos recentes, principalmente por meio de programas de reabilitação cardiovascular. [895][896][897] Em trabalho pioneiro sobre o assunto, ECR investigou os efeitos de programa de reabilitação cardiovascular em pacientes com CCDC acompanhados por 3 meses, tendo o treinamento físico promovido melhora da capacidade funcional e da qualidade de vida.…”