Physical Activity in IBS - a Long Term Follow up

An Intervention to Improve Physical Activity in IBS Patients Has Long Term Positive Effects

Increased physical activity has in the investigators recent study been shown to improve symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to assess the long term effects of the investigators previous intervention in IBS patients to improve physical activity. The investigators aimed to assess the long term effects on IBS symptoms as well as quality of life, fatigue, depression and anxiety.

86 patients who had been included in the investigators previous study "Physical Activity Improves Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial" were contacted and asked to participate in a long term follow up 5 years after the previous study. The subjects attended one visit at which they underwent a bicycle ergometer test to calculate the oxygen uptake and filled out questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Baseline data from the previous study

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• organic gastrointestinal disorders
• cardiac disease
• respiratory disease