Exercise Decreases Risk of Future Active Disease in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in remission.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25723616

Abstract
BACKGROUND::

Although exercise impacts quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, little is known about its role in disease activity. Among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in remission, we aimed to evaluate the association between exercise and subsequent active disease.
METHODS::

We performed a prospective study using the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Partners' internet-based cohort of individuals with self-reported inflammatory bowel disease. We identified participants in remission, defined as short Crohn's disease activity index <150 or simple clinical colitis activity index ≤2. The primary exposure was exercise status, measured using the validated Godin leisure-time activity index. The primary study outcome, assessed after 6 months, was active disease defined using the above disease activity index thresholds. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to describe the independent association between exercise and risk of active disease.
RESULTS::

We identified 1308 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 549 with ulcerative or indeterminate colitis (UC/IC) in remission, of whom 227 (17.4%) with CD and 135 (24.6%) with UC/IC developed active disease after 6 months. Higher exercise level was associated with decreased risk of active disease for CD (adjusted risk ratio: 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.94) and UC/IC (adjusted risk ratio: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.54-1.13).
CONCLUSIONS::

In patients with CD in remission, those with higher exercise levels were significantly less likely to develop active disease at 6 months. In patients with UC/IC in remission, patients with higher exercise levels were less likely to develop active disease at 6 months; however this was not statistically significant.
 
This is consistent with my anecdotal experience. I recently started training to run a half marathon and there is been a corresponding and noticeable improvement in my health.
 
I have started indoor biking 3 times/week for 30 minutes. Im hoping my ankles will accept it this time. I am highly motivated and 150% convinced cardiovascular activity is beneficial for the immune system and general brain and body health, including crohn's.
 
I'm in agreement. I was in the best shape when I was running and cycling regularly for at minimum 30 minutes 3-5 times a week. I'll be returning to it for sure once I am healed from my c-section :)
 
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