Table 2.

Summary of intensity-related exercise findings for IBD patients

Intensitya	Example of exercise	Effects of exercise (beneficial vs detrimental)	Comments
Low < 3.0 METs	Walking, calisthenics	Improved quality of life Reduced disease activity Reduced inflammatory markers	–
Moderate 3.0–5.9 METs	Light jog, cycling, swimming, low-impact sports	Same as above Improved cardiorespiratory fitness	–
High ≥ 6.0 METs	Prolonged, strenuous events (i.e. marathons, triathlons), high-impact sports	Enhanced microbial parameters Enjoyment with exercise Improved quality of life, physical functioning Reduced fatigue, disease activity Increased intestinal inflammation, permeability and reduced intestinal blood	Prolonged, strenuous exercise should be cautioned for IBD patients with increased disease activity or significant structural alterations to colon anatomy Safe participation may be achieved through behavioral modifications Continued research on supplements, drug development, and intestinal monitoring will improve safety

IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; METs, metabolic equivalent of task; 1 MET = 3.5 mL O₂ per kg of bodyweight per minute.

^aIntensities derived from Garber et al. [136].