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Updated: May 5, 2026
Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD
Published on: February 1, 2012
Exercise in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease
Indira Nathan1, Christine Norton, Wladyslawa Czuber-Dochan
1Indira Nathan, PhD, BSc (Hons), SRD, is Research Associate, Centre for Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University College London, London, England. Christine Norton, PhD, MA, RN, is Florence Nightingale Professor of Clinical Nursing Research, King's College London, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, London, England. Wladyslawa Czuber-Dochan, MSc, PGPD, RN, RNT, is PhD Research Fellow, King's College London, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, London, England. Alastair Forbes, MD, FRCP, FHEA, is Professor of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, University College London and University College London Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, London, England.
Exercise may improve symptoms for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Low to moderate physical activity, like walking, positively impacts mood and fatigue, but overexertion should be avoided. Further research is needed for specific exercise recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Growing evidence suggests exercise benefits individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Current literature on exercise for IBD patients is limited, necessitating further investigation.
- Understanding clinician considerations for advising IBD patients on exercise is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore factors clinicians should consider when advising IBD patients on exercise.
- To assess the perceived benefits and risks of exercise in a cohort of IBD patients.
- To inform future research and clinical guidelines regarding exercise for IBD.
Main Methods:
- A case series design was employed.
- Data were collected from individuals with IBD who engage in regular exercise.
- Participant-reported outcomes focused on exercise effects, adverse events, and clinician advice.
Main Results:
- Low to moderate-intensity exercise, primarily walking, was associated with improved mood, reduced fatigue, and benefits for weight maintenance and osteoporosis.
- Overexertion was identified as a potential risk factor.
- Participants reported receiving minimal exercise advice from healthcare professionals.
Conclusions:
- Exercise appears to be beneficial and safe for individuals with IBD.
- Clinicians should consider the potential benefits of low to moderate exercise for IBD symptom management.
- More research is required to establish evidence-based exercise recommendations for IBD patients.
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