Cure8 research brief
Physical activity is linked to general health and quality of life. If people with IBD—particularly those with more severe CD—are less active, tailored support could help improve wellbeing and manage disease-related effects.
Adults living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, IBD clinicians and allied health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, exercise specialists), and researchers studying lifestyle interventions in IBD.
This Danish repeated cross-sectional study used population survey data (2007–2021) to compare self-reported physical activity among adults with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) versus the non‑IBD population.
Fewer people with CD or UC reported engaging in light, moderate, or high intensity physical activity compared with those without IBD; the difference was largest for people with moderate-to-severe CD. The authors also examined sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of activity to identify targets for interventions.
Physical activity was assessed by self-report in population surveys and the analysis adjusted for sociodemographic factors; severity of IBD explained much of the lower activity levels. As an observational study using survey data, it can identify associations and target groups for intervention but cannot prove causation.
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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