Can exercise improve IBS symptoms?
- Physical activity has been shown to have a number of positive physiologic and psychological effects. In the GI tract, exercise can increase overall gut motility, including colonic motility and colon transit time.
- In a recent study, 12 weeks of moderate to rigorous exercise (20-60 minutes three times per week) resulted in significant improvement in IBS symptoms, although there were no differences in stool quality or characteristics, or in symptoms like bloating.
- Their overall quality of life scores did not improve, although their physical and cognitive skills did improve.
