{
  "abstract": "Introduction Studies have demonstrated that physical activity (PA) interventions can effectively relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), evidenced by reductions in symptom severity scores (IBS-SSS). However, capturing the patients’ perspective on the benefits, barriers and feasibility of physical activity, whilst considering symptoms and exercise preferences may offer valuable insights to support appropriate PA recommendation in clinical practice.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 adults, clinically diagnosed with IBS according to Rome IV criteria. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing IBS severity (IBS-SSS), physical activity (GPAQ), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-8), and HRQoL (SF-36). Structural equation modelling was used to model the direct and indirect effects of physical activity and mental health (latent constructs) on IBS symptom severity. Bivariate correlations were used to assess associations between key variables.Results Participants (mean age: 45±14 years; 82% female) reported high mean IBS symptom severity (333±89) and wide-ranging physical activity levels (mean: 3382±4482 MET-min/week). Mental health and physical health were significantly associated with IBS symptom severity. SEM showed that physical health strongly predicted IBS symptom severity (β = 0.68) and showed significant positive associations with physical activity (β = 0.22). Worse mental health negatively affected IBS symptom severity (β = 0.19). Notably, mental health and physical health were moderately correlated (β = 0.72).Conclusion Findings support a biopsychosocial model, highlighting the importance of both physical activity and mental health in managing symptom severity. Physical activity may alleviate symptoms directly and indirectly through improvements in psychological wellbeing. These results underscore the value of integrated, personalised approaches to IBS care.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Hannah Lindsell"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Neil Williams"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Maura Corsetti"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Ana-Maria Darie"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Aleesha Mohanan"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Daniele Magistro"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Gemma Walton"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P393 Physical and mental health as biopsychosocial mediators of symptom severity in irritable bowel syndrome: a cross-sectional structural equation modelling study",
  "uid": "038e4d6d-e2b0-5b25-a2ba-8474d73ee2ec"
}