Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Pain Neuroscience Education in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Key facts
- Where
- Istanbul, TürkiyeSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT07397533, who can take part
Where in Türkiye
- İstinye UniversityIstanbul, TürkiyeContact: Azize DikNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Istinye University
- Trial code
- NCT07397533
- Record updated
- 11 February 2026
- Original description
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of gut-brain interaction characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise alone and aerobic exercise combined with Pain Neuroscience Education on abdominal pain, IBS symptom severity, quality of life, and salivary cortisol levels in individuals with IBS.Read full original descriptionShow less
The Effect of Pain Neuroscience Education Added to Aerobic Exercise on Pain, Symptom Severity, and Cortisol Levels in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of gut-brain interaction characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise alone and aerobic exercise combined with Pain Neuroscience Education on abdominal pain, IBS symptom severity, quality of life, and salivary cortisol levels in individuals with IBS.
Participants will be randomly allocated into three groups: (1) Aerobic Exercise Group, (2) Aerobic Exercise plus Pain Neuroscience Education Group, and (3) Control Group. The aerobic exercise program will consist of supervised walking sessions performed twice weekly for six weeks. Pain Neuroscience Education will be delivered in short, structured sessions over the same six-week period. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Primary outcomes include abdominal pain intensity, IBS symptom severity, and salivary cortisol levels. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, stool form, and pain-related psychosocial measures. This study aims to provide evidence for non-pharmacological, biopsychosocial approaches in the management of IBS.
Inclusion: Adults aged between 18 and 65 years; Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome according to Rome IV criteria; Presence of abdominal pain for at least the past 3 months; Ability to understand and follow study instructions; Willingness to participate in the exercise and education sessions; Provision of written informed consent.
Exclusion: Use of medications that may significantly affect gastrointestinal motility or pain perception; Presence of organic gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease); History of gastrointestinal surgery affecting bowel function; Severe cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal conditions contraindicating aerobic exercise; Cognitive impairment as indicated by Mini-Mental State Examination score below the cutoff value; Any medical condition deemed by the investigators to interfere with safe participation in the study; Current participation in a structured exercise program; Pregnancy.