Stepping Into Clarity: Examining The Role Of Physical Activity In Crohn’S Disease

There is increasing research and clinical interest in physical activity (PA) as an adjuvant therapy for disease management among persons with Crohn's disease (CD); however, few studies have examined PA and its role in disease activity among adults with CD living in the US. A better understanding of the relationship between PA and disease activity is essential to inform evidence-based recommendations regarding optimal types, intensities, and durations of PA in adults with CD. PURPOSE: This study examined self-reported PA levels and its associations with disease activity among adults with CD living in the US. METHODS: Participants included 30 persons with CD who completed an online survey between November 2022 and June 2023. The survey assessed demographic and clinical characteristics, disease activity (e.g., Harvey-Bradshaw Index [HBI]), and leisure time exercise (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire [GLTEQ]). The HBI provides a simple and practical measure of clinical disease activity in CD based on general well-being and subjective symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain and liquid stools). Analyses included independent sample t-tests and non-parametric bivariate correlations (rs) for comparing PA levels and its relationship with disease activity. RESULTS: The sample had a mean age of 37.4 ± 13.3 years and a disease duration of 16.7 ± 11.1 years. Most of the participants (60%) were in clinical remission and over half (57%) were classified as physically active per GLTEQ health contribution scoring criteria. There were no group differences in PA levels based on disease activity (t = 0.32, p = 0.38) and PA levels were not correlated with disease activity (rs = -0.07, p = 0.36); however, post-hoc analyses indicated a moderate correlation between disease duration and PA (rs = 0.31, p = 0.05). Participants with longer disease duration reported higher levels of PA. CONCLUSIONS: While PA was not directly correlated with disease activity, these findings suggest that individuals with CD may adapt their PA levels as their disease progresses to accommodate their changing health. Future research should examine the relationship between objective markers of disease activity (i.e., fecal calprotectin, C-reactive protein, endoscopic findings) and PA to better understand the mechanisms of its potential beneficial effects.