Fujita Health University researchers link physical activity to constipation relief

Researchers at Fujita Health University in Japan have identified a physiological mechanism linking physical activity to the relief of constipation. The study, published in ‘Scientific Reports’, explores how regular exercise can improve intestinal motility, specifically by increasing peristalsis—the motor pattern that moves digestive content through the intestines.

Constipation affects between 0.7% and 29.6% of the population and is associated with various health issues, including sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and increased risks of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. To study the immediate effects of exercise on the digestive system, researchers used a non-invasive method to analyze intestinal sounds (IS), which reflect the movement of gases and liquids through the gut.