title: Associations between the lower esophageal sphincter function and the level of physical activity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very frequent and multifactorial disease. It has been found that GERD is associated with obesity, smoking, esophagitis, diet and lifestyle. Physical activity is among the factors involved in the occurrence of GERD.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to evaluate the associations between the different parameters of lower esophageal pressure (LES) and the level of everyday physical activity in patients with GERD.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors examined 100 consecutive patients who underwent manometry and pH-metry because of symptoms suggesting GERD. Physical activity was assessed by means of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). In accordance with IPAQ categorical scoring, the authors divided the studied subjects into 3 groups according to their level of physical activity. The investigation comprised 59 men and 41 women, with the mean age 49 ± 14 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The authors analyzed the relationships between the LES parameters (pressure, total LES length and HPZ length) and physical activity. The authors did not find any significant correlations between the studied parameters and the amount of physical activity. The authors also did not observe any association between the LES pressure and the level of physical activity. The subgroups distinguished on the basis of LESP did not differ as to the amount of everyday physical activity as well.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although most data indicates that intense exercise exacerbates GERD symptoms, the authors did not find any associations between LES parameters and physical activity. In view of the present results maintaining the recommended level of everyday physical activity does not interfere with the mechanisms of GERD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Wroclaw Medical University, Poland. dczopnik@gmail.com
authors.forename: Dorota
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Waśko-Czopnik
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jóźków
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dunajska
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mędraś
authors.forename: Leszek
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Paradowski
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D049630:Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / Q000502:physiology*; D050782:Esophageal pH Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011312:Pressure