Exercise in a Patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Description

Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can successfully participate in sports. However, certain findings may require modification of what is done and how. In general a patient with an inflammatory bowel disease should be encouraged to exercise as much as he or she can provided that it can be done safely.

In general a patient should have few restrictions if they have:

(1) disease in remission

(2) mild and intermittent disease

In general a patient will have significant restrictions if they have:

(1) severe disease

(2) a significant flare-up in disease activity

Problem	Impact
diarrhea	risk of dehydration and heat-related illness; problems in swimming pools; need to be near a bathroom
osteoporosis	increased risk for fracture; weight-bearing exercise may improve bone density
arthritis	limited joint mobility
abdominal pain	limited ability to exercise
medications	adverse impact of medications on the ability to exercise
history of recent abdominal surgery	may limit the ability to participate in contact sports
extensive bowel resection	may not be able to meet energy requirements
muscle weakness	decreased performance in strenuous activities

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Exercise in a Patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Description

Specialty