Physical activity benefits and risks on the gastrointestinal system

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Sports Medicine
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in endurance athletes, though typically transient.
• Physical activity may confer protective effects on the GI system.
• Understanding exercise's impact on GI health is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the evidence on physical activity and exercise effects on the GI system.
• To delineate the benefits and risks associated with exercise for GI health.
• To inform physicians on evidence-based exercise prescriptions for GI disorders.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of evidence-based literature.
• Analysis of studies examining physical activity and GI health outcomes.
• Evaluation of the strength of evidence for various GI conditions.

Main Results:

• Convincing evidence supports physical activity reducing colon cancer risk.
• Less convincing evidence exists for exercise's role in gastric/pancreatic cancers, GERD, PUD, NAFLD, gallstones, diverticular disease, IBS, and constipation.
• Potential benefits for GI bleeding and IBD require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity generally benefits the GI system, with strong evidence for colon cancer prevention.
• More research, particularly prospective randomized trials, is needed to clarify exercise's role in various GI disorders.
• Evidence-based exercise recommendations can aid physicians in managing patients with GI conditions.