Abstract des Autors

This literature study investigates the validity of the statement that exercise reduces the prevalence of constipation. The study will look at how exercise and inactivity affect constipation. Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and diarrhea are functional bowel diseases. Although many causes of constipation have been described, constipation can also be idiopathic. The prevalence of constipation varies a great deal. This variation depends on the population investigated in the study. The highest prevalence is amongst elderly women. There is a positive relationship between inactivity and constipation. That is, people who are inactive are more likely to have constipation. This doesn't necessarily have to be a causal relationship. Very little investigation concerning the effects of activity has been done on the time it takes for food to pass through the large intestine in healthy people. Only one study has proved that activity has a positive effect on the transit time of food through the large intestine. That study focused on exercise of the abdominal muscles. No investigation has been done on this effect in constipated people. Verf.-Referat