Low-intensity exercise improves quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the effects of a low-intensity walking program on the quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease.


METHODS
Patients were randomized into exercise and nonexercise groups for a prospective study.


METHODS
Patients were recruited at the inflammatory bowel disease outpatient clinic at the London Health Science Center, London, Ontario.


METHODS
Thirty-two adult patients met the inclusion criteria of (1) mildly active disease or disease in remission, (2) habitual physical activity of less than 2 times per week of vigorous activity, (3) not anticipating change of dose or type of medication for Crohn's disease, and (4) no history of cardiovascular disease. All 32 patients who entered the study completed the 3-month study.


METHODS
Patients performed low-intensity walking at an interval of 3 times per week for a duration of 3 months. Each walking session lasted for 30 minutes.


METHODS
The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Stress Index, and the Harvey-Bradshaw Simple Index were used as outcome. Survey measurements were recorded at 1-month intervals on commencement of the walking program.


RESULTS
Patients in the exercise group experienced a statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvement in quality of life in all 3 of the outcome measurement questionnaires with no detrimental effects in terms of disease activity.


CONCLUSIONS
A low-intensity walking program may have a beneficial effect in patients with Crohn's disease and improve their quality of life with no exacerbations in disease symptoms.
Ng
Victor
V
Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, USA.
Millard
Wanda
W
Lebrun
Constance
C
Howard
John
J
D000328:Adult; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*