Scheffers LE, Vos IK, Utens EMWJ, Dieleman GC, Walet S, Escher JC, van den Berg LEM. Physical Training and Healthy Diet Improved Bowel Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Fatigue in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023;
77:214-221. [PMID:
37134004 PMCID:
PMC10348627 DOI:
10.1097/mpg.0000000000003816]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Physical activity programs have been suggested as adjunctive therapy in adult inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. We assessed the effects of a 12-week lifestyle intervention in children with IBD.
METHODS
This study was a randomized semi-crossover controlled trial, investigating a 12-week lifestyle program (3 physical training sessions per week plus personalized healthy dietary advice) in children with IBD. Endpoints were physical fitness (maximal and submaximal exercise capacity, strength, and core stability), patient-reported outcomes (quality of life, fatigue, and fears for exercise), clinical disease activity (fecal calprotectin and disease activity scores), and nutritional status (energy balance and body composition). Change in maximal exercise capacity (peak VO 2 ) was the primary endpoint; all others were secondary endpoints.
RESULTS
Fifteen patients (median age 15 [IQR: 12-16]) completed the program. At baseline, peak VO 2 was reduced (median 73.3% [58.8-100.9] of predicted). After the 12-week program, compared to the control period, peak VO 2 did not change significantly; exercise capacity measured by 6-minute walking test and core-stability did. While medical treatment remained unchanged, Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index decreased significantly versus the control period (15 [3-25] vs 2.5 [0-5], P = 0.012), and fecal calprotectin also decreased significantly but not versus the control period. Quality of life (IMPACT-III) improved on 4 out of 6 domains and total score (+13 points) versus the control period. Parents-reported quality of life on the child health questionnaire and total fatigue score (PedsQoL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale) also improved significantly versus the control period.
CONCLUSIONS
A 12-week lifestyle intervention improved bowel symptoms, quality of life, and fatigue in pediatric IBD patients.
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