Risk of Crohn’s reduced with regular exercise

New study gives hope to slow the onset of Crohn’s Disease amongst Australians

January 6, 2014

Researchers have come one step closer to understanding the relationship between Crohn’s Disease and physical activity, with a study* released in the US recently indicating the risk of developing Crohn’s Disease lowers with increased exercise levels.

Approximately 75,000 Australians are currently affected by Crohn’s Disease and/or Ulcerative Colitis which are both non-contagious inflammatory bowel diseases; the causes of which still remain unknown.

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said incidence rates for these diseases in Australia were among the highest reported around the world, and the recent findings highlighted a need for Australians to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routine.

“The research results indicated study participants that engaged in more than nine hours of walking at an average pace each week (or other equivalent physical activity) had a 44 per cent lower risk of developing Crohn’s Disease when compared to their inactive counterparts,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.

“Considering 66.9 per cent of Australians aged 15 and over were considered sedentary or recorded low levels of exercise in 2011-12**, it’s crucial that we take steps to get Australians in the habit of exercising regularly.”

Ms Hobson-Powell said while people of all ages were susceptible to Crohn’s Disease, its onset was most common in people aged between 15 and 30.

“As a nation, we not only need to increase existing physical activity levels, but also instil a love of exercise in future generations,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.

“If regular physical activity is introduced to children at a young age, they are more likely to carry these positive habits into adulthood and lead healthier lives.”

Chief Executive Officer of Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA, Francesca Manglaviti said that while more studies were required in this area, it was encouraging to see research that explored the connection between exercise and the onset of Crohn’s Disease.

“As physical exercise has so many other health benefits such as reducing stress, anxiety and depression which are all risks for people with inflammatory bowel diseases, promoting exercise can only be positive,” Ms Manglaviti said.

Ms Manglaviti said the young onset age associated with Crohn’s Disease often caused disruption to education and employment, and this posed a number of negative ramifications for both sufferers and the broader community.

“Crohn’s Disease brings significant costs to the Australian economy each year through productivity losses, absenteeism, premature death and losses in earnings and taxation revenue,” Ms Manglaviti said.

“In 2005 alone, total financial costs were estimated at $239 million dollars.”

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic condition that affects the digestive tract and causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea and a broad range of other symptoms such as fever and weight loss.

For more information about the disease, visit www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au or to get the assistance in developing an exercise program, find your nearest accredited exercise physiologist at www.essa.org.au.

// Ends.

* Source: Physical activity and risk of inflammatory bowel disease: prospective study from the Nurses’ Health Study cohorts, http://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f6633.pdf%2Bhtml.

** Source: Australian Health Survey: Physical Activity, 2011-12, http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4364.0.55.004main+features12011-12.

For further media information, please contact Maya from Fresh PR & Marketing on 0410 109 102 or email maya@freshprm.com.au.

ABOUT ESSA

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. It supports its 3,500-plus members and the community through fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au

Official media spokespeople for this release:

Anita Hobson-Powell
Executive Officer
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
327 Sandgate Road Albion QLD 4010
E: Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
P: 07 3862 4122
M: 0400 519 800

Francesca Manglaviti
Chief Executive Officer
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
P: 61 3 9815 1266
M: 0400 225 207

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