Exercise in Individuals With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

There is increasing evidence that exercise may improve symptoms in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aims to explore issues that clinicians may need to consider when giving advice on exercise to such individuals. Limited existing evidence suggests that low to moderate physical activity may improve symptoms without any adverse effects in individuals with IBD. This is largely supported by the findings of the current case series of exercising individuals with IBD who reported that low-to moderate-intensity exercise (most commonly walking) had a positive effect on their mood, fatigue, weight maintenance, and osteoporosis. Overexertion was reported as a potential problem. Scant advice regarding exercise had been given by their healthcare professionals according to participants. The current literature and findings of this small case series suggest that exercise is likely to be beneficial and safe for individuals with IBD. However, more research is required on which recommendations for exercise could be based.