A Population-Based Assessment of Physical Activity and Exercise in Persons With IBD

We aimed to assess the physical activity (PA) and exercise profiles of persons with IBD, their limitations in undertaking PA/exercise, and how PA correlates with active disease and fatigue in a Canadian population-based sample.

A cross-sectional survey study was undertaken by participants in the University of Manitoba IBD Research Registry. The survey included sociodemographic factors, PA/exercise, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptom Inventory (IBDSI), and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses assessed the association between PA and disease activity and fatigue.

The survey was completed by 1257 of 2740 invitees (45.8%). Because of 163 missing age or PA responses, 1094 were included in the data analysis. The mean age of participants was 60.8+/-13.0 years. Activity status was inactive in 42.5%, moderately active in 32.0%, and highly active in 25.5%. Activity levels were similar for those >55 versus those <55 years. Thirty-eight percent reported that IBD never impacted their PA/exercise. Persons with Crohn's disease were more likely to be inactive than persons with ulcerative colitis. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of engaging in lower levels of PA were greater for persons with active IBDSI versus persons with non-active IBDSI (aOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.11-2.04), with an increase in MFIS score (aOR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03), in females with ulcerative colitis, and in those who smoke.

These findings underscore the need for tailored PA/exercise guidelines for individuals with IBD. Future research should explore objective measures of PA to better understand PA/exercise in both younger and older adult populations.