Exercise May Improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Physical activity has been shown to be effective in the treatment of conditions, such as fibromyalgia and depression. Although these conditions are associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), no study has assessed the effect of physical activity on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in IBS.

Now a clinical trial of 102 adults, by researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, found that increased physical activity improves GI symptoms (cramps, bloating, constipation and diarrhea) in IBS

The patients were randomized to a physical activity group and a control group. Those in the exercise group to get 20 to 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise -- like brisk walking or biking -- on three to five days out of the week, for 12 weeks. The rest of the patients stuck with their normal lifestyle habits.

After three months, 43% of the exercisers showed a clinically significant improvement in their symptoms, compared with a quarter of the participants who maintained their normal lifestyle.

Exercise may be helpful for several reasons. Studies have shown that it can relieve gas and constipation. Regular exercise may also have a positive influence on the nervous and hormonal systems that act on the digestive tract.

Dr. Riadh Sadik's advice to patients: "If you have IBS, then you can increase your physical activity to improve your symptoms. If you stay inactive, you should expect more symptoms."

The authors conclude that physical activity should be used as a primary treatment modality in IBS.

Elisabet Johannesson, Magnus Simrén, Hans Strid, Antal Bajor and Riadh Sadik. Physical Activity Improves Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Posted online January 4, 2011. Abstract

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a “syndrome,” meaning a group of symptoms. The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort often reported as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation. IBS affects the colon, or large bowel, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool.

IBS is not a disease. It’s a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel doesn’t work, or function, correctly.

CLICK HERE to know more about IBS

Fibromyalgia makes you feel tired and causes muscle pain and "tender points." Tender points are places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs that hurt when touched. People with fibromyalgia may have other symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, and problems with thinking and memory, sometimes called "fibro fog."

No one knows what causes fibromyalgia. Anyone can get it, but it is most common in middle-aged women. People with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are particularly likely to develop fibromyalgia. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but medicines can help you manage your symptoms. Getting enough sleep and exercising may also help.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Elisabet Johannesson, Magnus Simrén, Hans Strid, Antal Bajor and Riadh Sadik. Physical Activity Improves Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Posted online January 4, 2011. Abstract

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