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Exercise and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Latest data and practical advice for proper symptom management
Inter-Institutional Postgraduate Program: “Clinical Exercise and Applications of Technology in Health”
Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of the School of Physical Education and Sport Science of Democritus University of Thrace in collaboration with the National Center for Science Research “DEMOKRITOS” – The Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications (IIT)
Association of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases of Thrace
ROUND TABLE
Exercise and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Latest data and practical advice for proper symptom management
Friday, May 23, 2025
18:00 – 19:30
“Georgios Papadriellis” Amphitheatre
Chair:
Helen Douda, Professor, D.P.E.S.S., Democritus University of Thrace
Director of the Inter-institutional Postgraduate Program: “Clinical Exercise and Applications of Technology in Health”
Apostolos Spassis, Specialized Teaching Staff D.P.E.S.S. – D.U.Th. aspassis@phyed.duth.gr
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestine that may be caused by microbes or parasites, stress, or other factors. The aim of this round table is to present the latest data on the disease, highlight the beneficial effects of physical exercise for patients, and provide practical advice for proper symptom management, with the goal of improving patients’ quality of life.
Speakers:
Stergios Vradelis, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the Department of Medicine in Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, and Consultant Gastroenterologist at the 2nd University Clinic of DUTh.
Therapeutic options (limitations and possibilities) in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
Abstract: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These are two autoimmune conditions characterized by periods of flare-ups and remission, and their incidence has increased significantly in recent years. The goals of treatment are to induce and maintain remission. There are several therapeutic options available for these patients, and the role of the treating physician is to select the most appropriate therapy for each individual patient. This represents the essence of personalized medicine.
Michail Spathakis, Internist at the University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis
Disability in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
Abstract: Advances in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) over the past decade have brought about dramatic changes in their management, significantly improving patients’ quality of life. Nevertheless, as chronic inflammatory conditions, IBDs are associated with increased rates of disability, both physical and psychological, causing serious functional problems for patients. These issues are often overlooked by the treating physician and require collaboration with other specialties for proper management. The aim of this presentation is to highlight these problems and discuss practical advice for addressing them.
Apostolos Spasis, Specialized Teaching Staff D.P.E.S.S. – D.U.Th.
Exercise in patients with IBD: Get moving and manage the disease
Abstract: There is limited knowledge regarding exercise and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Moreover, the importance of regular physical activity for the optimal management of IBD has not been sufficiently addressed in clinical guidelines and is often overlooked by healthcare professionals. This lecture summarizes evidence on the health benefits of exercise, providing guidelines for physical activity in both the general population and in populations with chronic inflammatory disorders. In recent decades, a large body of scientific evidence has confirmed the beneficial role of exercise as a modifiable risk factor in various chronic diseases (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer, etc.). However, recent research also highlights the significant role of physical inactivity as a modifiable factor, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the immune system against autoimmune diseases.
Speakers:
Thrace Association of Patients with IBD, participation of members
Commenting on developments, strengthening the patients’ voice
Comments, opinions, suggestions