Effect of resistance exercise training on Crohn’s disease patients

Abstract

Crohn’s disease (CD) is observed with increased levels of cytokines which cause inflammation in many parts of the digestive tract. Aerobic exercise contributes to the reduction of the intestine’s inflammation and increases the quality of life. Another type of exercise that shows research interest about its effects on CD symptoms is the resistance exercise (RE). The aim of the study was to review the influence of RE on CD patients. The study’s literature was collected from PubMed and Scholar databases. According to the results, the main phase of a RE training program must have a gradual increase of intensity (60%–80%) and resting periods of 15–30 seconds after each exercise, and 2–3 minutes between exercises. Also, CD patients who were in remission improved the muscle strength and quality of life via their participation in RE training program. However, the secretion of interleukin-6 in both CD and RE contributes in various physiological mechanisms setting a contradictory role in the effectiveness of RE at the disease’s inflammatory situation. So, the use of RE training in CD patients needs more research for safer participation.