Physical Activity Shown To Improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms

Exercise may improve IBS symptoms

A new study involving individuals with irritable bowel syndrome may have discovered a potential relief of certain IBS symptoms.

Researchers were going to test whether or not physical activity can improve the symptoms that accompany irritable bowel syndrome.

For the study, 102 individuals with IBS, between 18 and 65 years old, were analyzed and randomly selected to increase or maintain current activity levels.

Individuals who were asked to increase activity levels did so on their own free will, but received instruction and support from specialists.

Recommended exercise included moderate to intense exercise for up to 30 minutes for five days per week.

Individuals were asked about symptoms at the start of the study and then after three months.

After analyzing symptom explanations from IBS patients, researchers discovered that increasing physical activity may decrease symptoms by more than 50 percent.

The entire study can be found in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.