Applied Health Sciences Program, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Banke Oketola, MSc1, Olayinka Akinrolie, MSc1, Sandra Webber, PhD2, Harminder Singh, MD, MPH3, Nicole Askin, MLIS4, Rasheda Rabbani, MSc, PhD5, Ahmed Abou-Setta, MD, PhD3 1Applied Health Sciences Program, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; 2College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; 3Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; 4University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; 5George & Fay Yee Center for Healthcare Innovation, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Introduction: Individuals with IBD in remission (i.e. quiescent IBD) can continue to have several symptoms, such as fatigue and depression. Physical activity (PA) may benefit people with quiescent IBD by improving immunological response and psychological health. The aim of our study was to distill available evidence on the efficacy and safety of PA to relieve persistent symptoms of fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, stress, anxiety, and depression; and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with quiescent or mildly active IBD.
Methods: We searched for RCTs and non-RCTs in eight databases, trial registries and conference proceedings. Trials using PA as an adjunct therapy in the management of adults ( >18 years) with quiescent or mildly active IBD, published in English between 2011 and 2021 were identified. Risk of bias of RCTs and non-RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Newcastle Ottawa scale respectively.
Results: We identified seven RCTs and one non-RCT that met our inclusion criteria. PA was moderately efficacious in improving HRQoL among trials using similar outcome measures (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.51, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.79; I2 0%), and reducing anxiety (SMD -0.35, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.05; I2 0%). There was insufficient evidence to make conclusions regarding changes in fatigue and depression. Only one study reported on stress, and only one study reported on joint pain. None was identified for abdominal pain. All trials deemed PA safe for individuals with quiescent or mildly active IBD who experience persistent symptoms. Average adherence rate in PA programs was 69%.
Discussion: PA is efficacious in improving HRQoL and alleviating anxiety in those with quiescent or mildly active IBD. However, more RCTs are required to precisely estimate the magnitude of effect and make more definitive conclusions about the efficacy of PA as an adjunct therapy for adults with IBD.
Figure: Sub-Group Analysis HRQoL
Disclosures:
Banke Oketola indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Olayinka Akinrolie indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Sandra Webber indicated no relevant financial relationships.
