Pilot Study Assessing the Feasibility and Impact of a Remote Adapted Physical Activity Program on Quality of Life in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Pilot Feasibility and Impact Study of a Remote Adapted Physical Activity Program on the Quality of Life of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract and is increasingly diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. Although anti-TNFα therapies are effective in reducing disease activity and improving quality of life, they are frequently associated with side effects such as fatigue, weight gain, and joint pain, which may be mitigated by regular physical activity.

Emerging evidence suggests that light to moderate physical activity may help reduce systemic and intestinal inflammation and improve IBD-related outcomes. However, access to structured physical activity programs remains limited, and personal or professional constraints may hinder participation.

This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and impact of a remotely delivered Adapted Physical Activity (APA) program on the quality of life of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This study evaluates the effects of a 12-weeks remote APA intervention on quality of life as the primary outcome.

Secondary objectives include assessing changes in anxiety and depression, fatigue levels, IBD activity, and smoking behavior. The findings from this study may inform the development of scalable, non-pharmacological strategies to support symptom management and well-being in individuals with IBD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 years and older
• Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) established for at least 6 months
• Patient is motivated to participate in the Adapted Physical Activity (APA) program
• Medical certificate confirming fitness to engage in remote physical activity
• Access to a digital device with internet connectivity enabling use of the MOOV+ application at home
• Written informed consent freely given after appropriate information
• Affiliation with, or beneficiary of, a national health insurance system

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under 18 years of age

• Medical contraindication to physical activity

• High levels of physical activity as defined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ):

  • Total >1500 MET-min/week of vigorous activity on at least 3 days, OR
  • Total physical activity >3000 MET-min/week, regardless of distribution

• Presence of psychological disorders that may interfere with study participation

• Lack of access to a device or internet connection enabling remote participation

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Patients under legal guardianship or curatorship

• Patients under legal protection