Exercise Training in Youth With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The Effects of Exercise Training on Fitness, Function and Quality of Life in Youth With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Study

Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suffer from many extra-intestinal side effects, including impaired muscle strength, low aerobic fitness, low bone density, and chronic inflammation. While exercise training can help remedy these issues in adults with IBD, no studies have examined the physiological effects of a structured aerobic and resistance exercise training intervention for youth with IBD. The aim of this pilot study is to to assess the feasibility, safety, and participant satisfaction of a structured 16-week training program for children with IBD. The secondary objectives of this study were to quantify the effects of a 16-week exercise training program on select physiological and behavioural outcomes in children with IBD.

Participants are assessed for outcomes prior to intervention, mid-way through intervention and immediately after intervention.

Tracking changes in IBD-related symptoms based on Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (scored 0-85, where higher score indicates more severe disease)

Tracking changes in IBD-related symptoms based on Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (scored 0-100, where higher score indicates more severe disease)

Qualitative assessment of participant likes and dislikes of the training program and suggestions for improvement

Assessed by qualitative interview looking at likes and dislikes of the training program as well as suggestions for improvement

Adverse events are event that occurs during the course of exercise training that cause the participant physical or psychological harm

Lean body mass (kg), fat body mass (kg), bone mineral content (kg), total mass (kg) all measured by Dual X-ray Absorptiometry scan

Lean body mass (% of total mass), fat body mass (% of total mass), bone mineral content (% of total mass). Absolute body composition measures (kg) divided by total body mass (kg) make % of total mass. All measured by Dual X-ray Absorptiometry scan.

VO2 peak (L*min-1) measured by the McMaster All-Out Progressive Continuous Cycling Test using a calibrated metabolic cart

peak workload (watts) measured by the McMaster All-Out Progressive Continuous Cycling Test using a cycle ergometer

Peak heart rate (beats*min-1), measured by the McMaster All-Out Progressive Continuous Cycling Test using heart rate monitor

Grip strength (Nm), isokinetic and isometric leg strength (Nm) and isokinetic and isometric arm strength (Nm) all measured with an isokinetic dynamometer

Time spent in physical activity (at light, moderate and high intensity) and sedentary time (min*day-1) measured by a waist-worn accelerometer

IL-6 and TNF-alpha concentrations (pg/ml) measured from patient plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays

Inclusion Criteria: In remission (score of >10) according to the pediatric Crohn's disease activity index (PCDAI) or the ulcerative colitis activity index (PUCAI) Confirmed IBD diagnosis Exclusion Criteria: Children who exercise train 3 times a week of more