Crohn’s & Colitis Congress™

Sessions Speakers Exhibitors Floor Plan Buzz

P090 - PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS INFREQUENTLY ASSESSED IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (Room Poster Hall)

Background: Studies have shown that physical activity has therapeutic effects on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by reducing disease activity, improving intestinal symptoms and positively impacting quality of life. In addition, exercise is helpful in offsetting potential muscle wasting and osteoporosis resulting from glucocorticoids. However, it is unclear if physicians consistently inquire about exercise in IBD patients. This study evaluated the frequency that physical activity was discussed in IBD patients managed at a university gastroenterology practice. Methods: A chart review of consecutive IBD patients seen during a 6 month period was performed. Patient age, gender and disease type were obtained. Charts were reviewed for documentation of discussions about physical activity or exercise regimens. Analysis was performed using Fisher Exact test, with significance set at p<0.05. This study was approved by the IRB. Results: Records of 268 patients (118 men, 150 women; mean age 43) were reviewed. 158 had Crohn's disease, 109 had ulcerative colitis and 1 had indeterminate colitis. 98 (36.57%) patients (30 males, 68 females; 57 Crohn’s, 41 UC) had a discussion about physical activity. There was a significant difference (p<0.0009) in the rate that females (88/118; 74.57%) discussed exercise with physicians than males (68/150; 45.33%). There was no significant difference (p=0.7978) in the rate of exercise discussion based upon disease type. Conclusion: Physical activity can positively influence outcomes in IBD. However, this study reveals that exercise is infrequently discussed with IBD patients by gastroenterologists. Notably, women more often discussed exercise with their physicans than men. While this study is limited due to small sample size, single institutional design and reliance upon documentation, it offers a foundation for future research. Increased efforts should be made to assess and recommend physical activity in all IBD patients to optimize outcomes.