Exploring exercise modalities and their impact on inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review of rodent colitis models

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle factors are closely associated with the onset and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of exercise on clinical outcomes and quality of life in individuals with IBD. Despite the well-documented role of exercise in improving IBD outcomes, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM

To compare the efficacy of different exercise modalities and explore their potential physiological mechanisms in rodent models of colitis.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of five databases from inception to September 24, 2024, which yielded 19 animal studies in rodent colitis models. We compared the efficacy of various forms of exercise and explored the possible physiological mechanisms. The effects of different exercise modalities, namely forced treadmill running (FTR), voluntary wheel running (VWR), swimming, climbing, and jumping, on both macroscopic symptoms (e.g., body weight, disease activity, and colon length) and microscopic parameters (e.g., histopathology, immune markers, oxidative/antioxidant balance, and gut microbiota) in colitis models were compared.

RESULTS

VWR (simulated recreational physical activity), swimming (aerobic exercise), and strength training (climbing and jumping) consistently promoted overall health in animal colitis models. However, evidence for FTR remains inconsistent, with a notable number of studies suggesting potential exacerbation of colitis symptoms, possibly due to stress or fatigue resulting from its coercive nature. Overall, various exercise (e.g., VWR, swimming, strength training) ameliorates colitis symptoms possibly by suppressing immune hyperactivation, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and modulating gut microbiota composition. In contrast, FTR was inconsistent, with several studies indicating a potential exacerbation of colitis symptoms, possibly due to stress or fatigue induced by its coercive nature.

CONCLUSION

Exercise modality is critical in influencing colitis outcomes, with voluntary and low-stress forms generally being beneficial, while forced exercise may yield adverse effects. These findings highlight the importance of exercise type and individual tolerance in designing therapeutic exercise interventions for IBD. Further research is warranted to establish a robust therapeutic framework for exercise-based interventions in IBD management.

Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease; Exercise; Physical activity; Ulcerative colitis; Animal study

Core Tip: In rodent models of colitis, the impact of exercise on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is highly modality-dependent. Voluntary wheel running, swimming, and strength training consistently ameliorate colitis by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and improving gut barrier integrity. In contrast, forced treadmill running yields inconsistent or detrimental outcomes, likely due to the associated physiological stress. This systematic review underscores that the therapeutic potential of physical activity in IBD management may depend critically on exercise type, intensity, and individual tolerance, highlighting the need for personalized, low-stress exercise regimens.