The effect of increasing physical activity and/or omega-3 supplementation on fatigue in inflammatory bowel disease

This study tested the effect of individualised advice to increase physical activity and/or omega-3 fatty acid suppleme ntation on fatigue in inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients in remission were recruited to a pilot study using a randomised controlled 2x2 factorial design comparing baseline and post-intervention fatigue scores. Interventions (12 weeks) were 15-minute exercise consultation and/or 2970 mg/day omega-3 supplementation and controls were general health discussion and/or placebo. From n=656 screened patients, n=74 who met the eligibility criteria were random ised, n=60 commenced and n=52 completed the study. Fatigue measured with Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) score was worse with omega-3 supplementation and unchanged with exercise advice. Fatigue, measured by Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Fatigue (IBD-F) score, was reduced with exercise advice. Advice to increase physical activity and omega-3 supplementation, singly or in combination, was shown t...