Developing a safe and effective exercise programme for people with Crohn’s Disease
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN13021107 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN13021107 |
| Protocol serial number | 19920 |
| Sponsor | University of Hertfordshire |
| Funder | Crohn's and Colitis UK |
- Submission date
- 02/12/2015
- Registration date
- 02/12/2015
- Last edited
- 04/01/2023
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Digestive System
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Crohn’s disease (CD) is one of the main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a name given to long-term conditions which causes inflammation (swelling) in the digestive system (gut). Although it can affect any part of the gut, it is most common at the end of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) or the colon (the large intestine). It is characterised by different phases of disease activity, alternating between remission (when the disease is not active) and flare-ups (when the disease is active and causing symptoms). Currently, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, and so treatments tend to be geared towards ensuring the disease remains in remission. Currently, little is known about the effects of exercise in CD; however it could have several beneficial effects such as reducing fatigue and inflammation, increasing muscle and bone strength, and improving overall quality of life. The aim of this study is to look into the effects of a high-intensity exercise programme and a moderate-intensity exercise programme on people suffering from CD.
Who can participate?
People between 16 and 65 who have mildly active or inactive Crohn’s disease.
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to one of three groups. Those in the first group are invited to attend 3 high-intensity exercise sessions a week for 12 weeks, using an exercise bike. The sessions begin with a five-minute warm up, and then alternating one-minute bouts of hard cycling with one-minute bouts of easy cycling, for 20 minutes, before a three-minute cool down. Those in the second group are invited to attend 3 moderate-intensity exercise sessions a week for 12 weeks, using an exercise bike. The sessions begin with a five-minute warm up, and then 30 minutes of cycling at moderate intensity, before a three-minute cool down. In both groups, the resistance level (how hard it is) is increased at 4 and 8 weeks. Those in the third group do not take part in any additional exercises. At the start of the study, and then again at 13 and 26 weeks, participants complete a number of questionnaires and physical tests in order to find out if there has been any change to their health and mental well-being. At the start of the study and week 13, participants are asked to provide a stool (faeces) sample and a blood sample, so that their body’s level of inflammation can be assessed.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Potential benefits of participating include improved physical fitness and reduced fatigue which can improve general health. There are no direct risks of participating, as the exercise programmes have been found to be safe and all sessions will be closely monitored by a clinical co-investigator.
Where is the study run from?
University of East London (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2016 to December 2017
Who is funding the study?
Crohn's and Colitis UK (UK)
Who is the main contact?
Dr Lindsay Bottoms
Contact information
Scientific
University of Hertfordshire
College Lane
Hatfield
AL10 9AB
United Kingdom
 ORCID ID |
0000-0003-4632-3764 |
|---|
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Multi-centre randomised controlled trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised parallel trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | A randomised controlled trial investigating the feasibility and acceptability of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training in adults with inactive or mildly active Crohn’s disease |
| Study objectives | The aim of the study is to explore the feasibility, acceptability and possible benefits of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on people with Crohn’s disease. |
| Ethics approval(s) | London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee, 24/11/2015, ref: 15/NW/0813 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Topic: Gastroenterology; Subtopic: Gastroenterology; Disease: All Gastroenterology |
| Intervention | Participants are randomly allocated to one of three groups. High-intensity training group: Participants will be invited to complete three exercise sessions each week for 12 consecutive weeks. All exercise will be performed on a stationary upright cycle ergometer. Each session will begin with a 5-minute warm-up of easy cycling. The main body of each session will involve ten, 1-minute bouts of hard cycling, interspersed with 1-minute bouts of easy cycling. The session will end with a 3-minute cool-down of easy cycling. The resistance level on the cycle ergometers will be progressed after 4 and 8 weeks of training. Moderate-intensity training group: Participants will be invited to complete three exercise sessions each week for 12 consecutive weeks. All exercise will be performed on a stationary upright cycle ergometer. Each session will begin with a 5-minute warm-up of easy cycling. The main body of each session will involve 30 minutes of cycling at a moderate intensity. The session will end with a 3-minute cool-down of easy cycling. The resistance level on the cycle ergometers will be progressed after 4 and 8 weeks of training. Control group: Participants continue as normal, and do not undertake any additional activity. All exercise sessions will be supervised in a university sports science laboratory or a hospital rehabilitation facility. Data will be collected in order to assess the feasibility of conducting a future large-scale study of exercise training in CD. In addition, possible benefits of the exercise programmes to be explored include reduced inflammation (measured using blood and stool samples), increased fitness (assessed using a cycling exercise test), and improved fatigue levels, mental health and quality of life (using standardised questionnaires). Participants will be assessed at 13 and 26 weeks after joining the study. |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
1. Recruitment rates are calculated when the recruitment period is complete |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. Blood markers of inflammation (e.g. IL-6, CRP) are measured at baseline and 13 week in all participants, and week 7 in exercise group participants |
| Completion date | 31/12/2017 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 45 |
| Total final enrolment | 36 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Aged between 16 and 65 years 2. Clinical diagnosis of CD for at least 4 weeks before the screening visit 3. Mildly active (150 to 219 on Crohn’s Disease Activity Index [CDAI]) or inactive (<150 on CDAI) CD assessed no greater than 4 weeks before the screening visit 4. Faecal calprotectin <250 mcg/g recorded no greater than 4 weeks before the screening visit 5. Stable medications for at least 4 weeks before the screening visit 6. Able to provide written informed consent and complete the study questionnaires 7. Able to travel to the research centre for assessment visits and exercise sessions |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1.Absolute contraindications to exercise testing and training as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine 2. Coexistent serious autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic sclerosis 3. Planned major surgery within the first 3 months after randomisation 4. Pregnant 5. Female planning pregnancy within the first 3 months after randomisation 6. Poor tolerability of venepuncture 7. Lack of adequate venous access for required blood sampling 8. Current participation in more than 90 min/week of purposeful exercise, such as jogging or swimming 9. Participation in another clinical trial for with concurrent participation is deemed inappropriate |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/04/2016 |
| Date of final enrolment | 31/03/2017 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
London
E16 2RD
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Available on request |
| IPD sharing plan | Not provided at time of registration |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | results | 01/12/2019 | 20/08/2020 | Yes | No |
| Results article | Affective and enjoyment responses | 20/09/2019 | 04/01/2023 | Yes | No |
| Protocol article | protocol | 03/04/2017 | Yes | No | |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
| Study website | Study website | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
04/01/2023: Publication reference added.
20/08/2020: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. Publication reference added.
2. The total final enrolment was added.
05/04/2017: Publication reference added.
