Effects of Muscle Stretching on Stress Markers in IBS Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Hamaguchi Toyohiro, Fukudo Shin, Kanazawa Motoyori, Tomiie Tadaaki, Shimizu Kunihiko, Oyama Mineo, Sakurai Kohji
Primary Institution: Niigata University of Health and Welfare
Hypothesis
Abdominal muscle stretching would have a beneficial effect on salivary chromogranin A levels and anxiety in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Conclusion
Passive abdominal muscle stretching may improve the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome by reducing salivary chromogranin A levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Salivary chromogranin A levels were significantly higher in IBS patients than in controls before stretching.
- After stretching, salivary chromogranin A levels in IBS patients decreased to levels comparable to controls.
- Anxiety levels significantly decreased in normal subjects after stretching.
Takeaway
Stretching your stomach muscles can help people with tummy troubles feel better by lowering stress markers in their saliva.
Methodology
Eighteen IBS patients and fifteen controls underwent a 4-minute abdominal muscle stretching session, with salivary chromogranin A levels measured before and after.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the small number of participants and exclusion of some IBS subjects.
Limitations
Small sample size and short duration of stretching may limit the findings.
Participant Demographics
15 healthy volunteers (7 males, 8 females) and 18 IBS subjects (7 males, 11 females), aged 20 to 23 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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