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The Association Between Physical Activity and Epigastric Pain: A Mendelian Randomization and Cross-Sectional Study
Zhongcao Wei1,2,3,4, Qian Yang1,2,3,4, Yujie Hao1,2,3,4
1Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China, xjtu.edu.cn.
Pain Research & Management
|June 27, 2026
Summary
Physical activity (PA) impacts epigastric pain differently based on its type. Leisure-time PA is protective, while occupation-related PA may increase pain risk, highlighting context-dependent effects on gastrointestinal health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The link between physical activity (PA) and epigastric pain lacks clarity.
- This study investigates the causal relationship using Mendelian randomization (MR) and cross-sectional data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the causal effect of physical activity on epigastric pain.
- To differentiate the impact of various PA domains (leisure-time, occupational, transportation) on epigastric pain.
Main Methods:
- Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using inverse variance weighting (IVW).
- Cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.
- Categorization of PA into leisure-time, occupational, and transportation domains.
Main Results:
- Genetically predicted walking for pleasure showed an inverse association with epigastric pain.
- Occupation-related PA meeting guidelines (≥150 min/week) was associated with increased epigastric pain risk (OR: 1.271).
- Sufficient leisure-time PA (≥300 min/week) was protective against epigastric pain (OR: 0.822).
Conclusions:
- Physical activity's effect on epigastric pain is context-dependent.
- Leisure-time PA demonstrates a protective role, whereas occupation-related PA may elevate risk.
- Findings emphasize the nuanced influence of PA on gastrointestinal health.
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