Significantly Lower Physical Activity Participation in Individuals with Chronic Pancreatitis Compared to Controls: An Exploratory Study of Objectively Assessed Physical Activity Levels

Abstract

Introduction: The beneficial effects of exercise and physical activity (PA) have been demonstrated in many chronic inflammatory diseases. Knowledge on PA levels is unknown in the chronic pancreatitis population, and there are currently no specific PA recommendations for this condition. Methods: PA was measured objectively over a 7-day period in 17 individuals with chronic pancreatitis using an accelerometer (ActiGraph) and in 15 controls, matched for age, sex, and body mass index. Results: Participants with chronic pancreatitis spent a significantly lower amount of time in moderate, light, and moderate/vigorous activity compared to the healthy control group. Mean time in light activity in the chronic pancreatitis group was 825.4 ± 972 (standard deviation [SD]) compared to 1,500 ± 958 (SD) in the healthy control group. Moderate activity mean minutes were 61.6 ± 85 in the chronic pancreatitis group compared to 161.4 ± 131.2 in the healthy control group. Moderate/vigorous mean minutes were 62.1 ± 86 (SD) in the chronic pancreatitis group compared to 164.3 ± 132 (SD) in the healthy control group. There was no significant difference found between the groups for either vigorous activity or time spent sedentary. Conclusion: This exploratory study offers early objective evidence that activity levels in the chronic pancreatic group are not meeting current international recommendations. Further investigation of this chronic illness population is strongly recommended.