Kids, youth with inflammatory bowel disease less fit than their peers

March 17th, 2011 - 5:11 pm ICT by ANI  

Washington, Mar 17 (ANI): Children and youth growing up with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are less fit than their peers, according to a new study.

Researchers at McMaster University and the McMaster Children’s Hospital, Ontario, Canada, found that children and youth with the most common forms of IBS have aerobic fitness levels 25 percent lower than other children their age, and their muscle function is 10 percent lower.

“Raising a child with a chronic condition is challenging, but we need to look at more than just ‘fixing the child’ and think about active living to reduce the risk of future health problems,” said principal investigator Brian Timmons.

The study showed that patients with inflammatory bowel disease in remission also have poor fitness that may start at an early age.

“Fitness during childhood is an important predictor of adult health. Closer attention needs to be paid to the physical activity levels and participation habits of youth with IBD. This starts with the child’s doctor,” said Timmons.

He said the study confirms that patients should be encouraged to be as active as possible and families should be provided resources about active living.

He said there were no specific recommended activities, but ‘patients are likely to benefit from a variety of activities and sports that they find enjoyable and fun’.

The study is published in the Journal of Pediatrics online. (ANI)

Related Stories

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Health Science |

Subscribe