# Patterns and Correlates of Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity in Individuals With Crohn’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study explores how sedentary behavior and physical activity relate to health and well-being in people with Crohn’s disease.

## Contribution

The study identifies age and quality of life as key factors linked to sedentary behavior and physical activity in Crohn’s disease patients.

## Key findings

- Higher sedentary behavior was associated with younger age, possibly due to office-based jobs.
- Greater physical activity was linked to better physical health quality of life.
- Both sedentary behavior and physical activity are potential targets for improving health in Crohn’s disease patients.

## Abstract

Evidence suggests that being physically active could offer a range of benefits for people living with Crohn’s disease. However, the extent to which physical activity may provide benefits in terms of quality of life, mental health, and well-being requires further elucidation. This study aimed to highlight patterns and explore the correlates of sedentary behavior and physical activity in individuals living with Crohn’s disease.

Adults living with Crohn’s disease from Ireland and the United Kingdom completed an online survey. Participants completed questions on: demographic characteristics; physical activity; sedentary behavior; Crohn’s disease severity; quality of life; anxiety and depressive symptoms; and mental well-being. Multiple linear regression analysis explored the correlates of sedentary behavior and physical activity.

One-hundred and eleven individuals (median age = 40.0 [31.0-48.0] years; 77% female) completed the survey. For sedentary behavior, median time was 9.14 (7.43-11.25) hours/day and the only significant correlate was age (β = −0.07, t(107) = −2.65, P = .01). For total physical activity, the quality of life physical health domain was the only significant correlate (β = 29.14, t(107) = 2.53, P = .01).

Higher levels of sedentary behavior were associated with lower age, potentially due to the type of occupations of younger participants (ie, office-based jobs). Higher total physical activity levels were associated with higher quality of life physical health domain scores, which demonstrates the potential role physical activity might have in improving quality of life in individuals living with Crohn’s disease. Both sedentary behavior and physical activity might be beneficial lifestyle variables to target for health improvement in this population.

Graphical Abstract