Effect of moderate exercise on bowel habit
Article Abstract:
Anecdotal evidence supports the notion that moderate exercise increases gastrointestinal transit, resulting in an increase in stool frequency. This is thought to be the cause of diarrhea that is frequently reported to accompany some types of exercise like jogging. It has also been suggested that such apparent changes in elimination habits may be the result of exercise-induced changes in intake of dietary fiber and fluid. To further investigate the effects of submaximal exercise on bowel habits, a study was carried out with 10 healthy volunteer subjects (six men and four women between the ages of 22 and 41). None of the subjects was involved in competitive athletics, but most were occasional recreational joggers, cyclers, or participants in aerobic gymnastics. Subjects engaged in randomly scheduled one-week bouts of exercise, which included running on a treadmill, riding a stationary bicycle, or a non-exercise control period (resting in a chair). Exercise intensity was adjusted to be approximately 50 percent maximal (two-thirds maximal heart rate). The sequence of exercise was rotated, and no studies were done during the premenstrual period. Gastrointestinal transit was determined by measuring the time taken for a radio-opaque gastric load to pass through the gastrointestinal tract. Transit time was dramatically accelerated by both jogging and cycling in the absence of any significant changes in stool weight, defecation frequency, dietary fiber, or fluid intake. The time taken for ingested material to traverse the gastrointestinal tract decreased from 51 hours at rest to about 33 hours during an exercise regimen. This increased transit rate may also partially underlie the protective effect of exercise against gastrointestinal diseases such as cancer of the rectum and colon. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Gut
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0017-5749
Year: 1991
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Outlet obstruction constipation (anismus) managed by biofeedback
Article Abstract:
During defecation, the muscles of the floor of the pelvis relax to allow the passage of the stool. In some forms of the condition known as anismus, there is a failure of coordination between the reflex pathways mediating relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles and other neural and muscular events involved in defecation, resulting in obstruction that leads to excessive straining at stool. In severe cases of anismus, this can result in serious damage to the rectum and anus. It has been claimed that biofeedback, the therapeutic procedure in which patients are made conscious of normally involuntary bodily processes, can be used to help patients inhibit the anomalous contraction of pelvic floor muscles during defecation. To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback training in the treatment of anismus, 15 subjects (12 men and 3 women between the ages of 22 and 76 years) suffering from intractable constipation resulting from obstructive defecation of 8.8 years (average) duration were enrolled in a study of the effects of home-based biofeedback on the severity of this condition. A preliminary evaluation was done to ascertain the severity of the obstruction, following which patients were instructed in the use of a self-applied biofeedback apparatus that provided visual feedback reflecting the degree of inappropriate muscular contraction. Training continued at home for an average of 3.1 weeks. Evaluation after completion of the training revealed a significant reduction in the time spent straining at stool, a decrease in the difficulty of defecation, and an increased frequency of defecation. This clinical benefit persisted for at least six months, which was the longest period of follow-up. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Gut
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0017-5749
Year: 1991
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Association of distinct alpha(sub 2) adrenoceptor and serotonin transporter polymorphisms with constipation and somatic symptoms in functional gastrointestinal disorders
Article Abstract:
The association of alpha(sub 2) adrenoceptors, norepinephrine transporter and serotonin transporter protein polymorphisms with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and high somatic symptom scores is discussed. The functionally distinct alpha(sub 2A) and alpha(sub 2C) adrenoreceptors and serotonin transporter polymorphisms result in constipation and high somatic symptoms in patients with lower functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Publication Name: Gut
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0017-5749
Year: 2004
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