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. 2021 May;6(2):61-69.
doi: 10.1159/000511212. Epub 2021 Feb 24.

Physical Activity in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Georgina Fagan  1 , Hamish Osborne  1 , Michael Schultz  1   2
Affiliations

Physical Activity in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Georgina Fagan et al. Inflamm Intest Dis. 2021 May.

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Despite the known benefits of physical activity in the management of chronic diseases, the use of exercise as a treatment is relatively underemployed, with many patients reporting their disease to be a barrier. This study aimed to assess physical activity levels, attitudes, and barriers towards exercise in a cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition, this study aimed to assess possible relationships between physical well-being, psychological well-being, and sociodemographic factors.

Methods: 306 patients >18 years with diagnosed IBD in Dunedin, New Zealand, were approached to participate in this study. Participants who consented completed questionnaires regarding exercise preferences and attitudes, physical activity levels, and psychological well-being.

Results: Seventy-seven patients participated in the study (77/308 = 25%). Sixty-six percent of participants met physical activity guidelines and the median metabolic equivalent minutes/week of 1,027.5 (505.5-2,339.5). Walking was the most preferred activity (30%) followed by water-based exercise (20%). Two-thirds of participants reported their disease limited the amount of physical activity undertaken. Common barriers to participating in physical activity included fatigue (34%) and abdominal pain (20%). Patients with active disease reported higher levels of barriers than those in remission (80 vs. 54%, p = 0.018). Higher physical activity levels were correlated with lower levels of fatigue (p = 0.022-0.046).

Conclusions: While patients with IBD in Dunedin, New Zealand, are physically active, reducing real and perceived barriers is crucial to further increase physical activity in patients with IBD who are in remission or with active disease.

Keywords: Crohn's disease; Inflammatory bowel disease; Physical activity; Quality of life; Ulcerative colitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
STROBE flow diagram of the study. IBD, inflammatory bowel disease.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Physical activity levels of participants (IPAQ categories). IPAQ, International Physical Activity Questionnaire; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; MET-mins/week, metabolic equivalent minutes per week.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Barriers identified by participants for engaging in physical activity and exercise, n = 77.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Most preferred type of exercise for participants, n = 77.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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