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The Effects of Physical Activity on Functional Dyspepsia: A Mendelian Randomization and Randomized Controlled Study
Zhongcao Wei1,2,3,4, Zhiwei Tao1,2,3,4, Yujie Hao1,2,3,4
1Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China.
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Regular moderate-intensity exercise may help reduce the risk of functional dyspepsia (FD). A study combining genetic analysis and a randomized controlled trial found exercise significantly improved symptom relief in FD patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Exercise Science
- Genetics
Background:
- The link between physical activity (PA) and functional dyspepsia (FD) lacks robust evidence.
- Investigating this relationship is crucial for understanding FD etiology and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the potential genetic association between PA and FD using Mendelian randomization (MR).
- To evaluate the therapeutic effect of moderate-intensity exercise on FD symptoms through a randomized controlled trial (RCT).
Main Methods:
- MR analysis utilized genetic variants linked to PA traits from genome-wide association studies.
- An RCT randomized 260 FD patients into a moderate-intensity exercise group or a control group.
- The primary outcome measured was the rate of adequate relief from dyspeptic symptoms.
Main Results:
- MR analysis indicated an inverse association between strenuous sports activity and FD risk (OR = 0.92, P = 0.0047).
- Other exercises, considered moderate intensity, also showed a suggestive inverse association with FD risk (OR = 0.964, P = 0.013).
- The RCT revealed a significantly higher adequate relief rate in the exercise group (46.9%) compared to the control group (30.8%, P = 0.008), with greater symptom score reductions.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity, especially moderate-intensity exercise, may play a role in reducing the incidence of functional dyspepsia.
- Exercise interventions show therapeutic potential for managing FD symptoms.