Prescription of physical exercise in Crohn's disease
Received 13 July 2009; received in revised form 28 August 2009; accepted 28 August 2009. published online 12 October 2009.
Abstract
Background
Physical exercise may be potentially beneficial for recovering physical condition and improving quality of life in populations suffering from chronic conditions, but little is known about its effects on patients suffering from Crohn's disease.
Aims
To provide reasonable and conservative recommendations for exercise regimens that appear clinically safe and feasible in patients suffering from Crohn's disease.
Methods
Relevant clinical studies about the effects of physical exercise on Crohn's disease, written in English language and carried out with human subjects were reviewed.
Results
Few relevant clinical studies have evaluated the effects of an exercise intervention on patients experiencing Crohn's disease. There seem to be two main types of physical interventions that should be recommended: aerobic activity and muscular resistance training.
Conclusions
Some basic guidelines about how to prescribe physical exercise in Crohn's disease can be provided. However, more research is needed as few studies have been carried out so far.
ABSTRACT