Inflammatory bowel disease and exercise: results of a Crohn's and Colitis UK survey

Abstract

BackgroundOver 250 000 people in the UK are affected with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and approximately 10 000 new cases are diagnosed every year. These chronic bowel conditions have been shown to affect both work and recreational activity. In the general population, regular exercise has numerous benefits to health and well-being and there are additional benefits for those with IBD. However, people with IBD face significant challenges in trying to take regular exercise.ObjectiveWith the renewed focus on sport brought about by the recent London Olympics, Crohn's and Colitis UK surveyed its members to explore their sport and fitness habits.Methods918 members participated in the survey, which is the largest survey of its kind, investigating the exercise habits of people with IBD.ResultsThe survey showed widespread uptake of exercise in those with IBD, with a large number feeling better for it. However, it also identified a considerable number of respondents who reported a significant negative impact of IBD on their ability to take up, enjoy and derive benefit from sporting activities.ConclusionAsking questions about sporting leisure activity in clinical consultations may identify those in need of help and support and possibly identify factors to be dealt with, in order to enable them to take part in these beneficial activities.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease [IBD] and Physical Activity: A Study on the Impact of Diagnosis on the Level of Exercise Amongst Patients With IBD

“…Nevertheless, there is some evidence that IBD patients perceive exercise and sports as being helpful in managing their psychological health and reducing some of the symptoms and complications of IBD. (11)(12)(13)(14) Table 1 summarises the available data on studies pertaining to exercise and IBD. (10,11,(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) Obesity may complicate the clinical course of IBD by increasing relapse rates, hospitalisation, development of anoperineal complications and requiring earlier surgical intervention with a higher risk of post-surgical morbidity.…”

Körperliche Aktivität, Bewegung und Sport bei chronisch-entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen

“…Zudem befürchtet ein Teil der Patienten und behandelnden Ärzte, dass stärkere körperliche Anstrengung eine Verschlechterung der Darmerkrankung provozieren könnte. Diese Sorge ist nachvollziehbar, zumal intensive und langdauernde körperliche Belastung bereits bei gesunden Personen diverse gastrointestinale Beschwerden hervorrufen kann (siehe unten) und einzelne CED-Patienten bei physischer Belastung vermehrt Symptome, wie Müdigkeit, Bauschmerzen und Stuhldrang, berichteten [7].…”

Improving IBD in dogs through exercise

“…However, in support of Huang and Lien's findings, as little as 12 weeks of low-intensity exercise in people with sedentary lifestyles can lead to improvements in both psychological and physiological wellbeing in patients with Crohn's disease (Loudon and others 1999). However, what constitutes normal exercise and the variable amount of exercise taken by people suffering with IBD is a consideration when assessing any intervention (Rawsthorne and others 1999, Chan and others 2014, Tew and others 2016). …”

“…It is unclear whether similar limitations exist in dogs suffering with chronic enteropathies and this is an important consideration. If we reflect on how regular exercise affects people with IBD, and given that the majority of UK dogs will be taking regular exercise, some will derive benefit (Jones and others 2015) and others will suffer relapses (Chan and others 2014). …”