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Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification Influences Medium-Term and Artificially Induced Stress in Ulcerative Colitis-A Sub-Study within a Randomized Controlled Trial Using the Trier Social Stress Test.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The present study presents long-term results of stress-related outcomes of a prospective RCT that evaluated effects of a ten-week comprehensive lifestyle-modification program (LSM) in patients with inactive ulcerative colitis (UC). In addition, exploratory results of a sub-study applying a laboratory stress protocol (Trier Social Stress Test; TSST) conducted within the RCT are reported.

Methods

Ninety-seven patients with inactive UC were randomized to LSM (n = 47; 50.28 ± 11.90 years; 72.3% female) or self-care (n = 50; 45.54 ± 12.49 years; 70% female). Patients' perceived stress, anxiety, flourishing and depression were assessed at week 0, 12, 24 and 48. After the respective intervention, 16 female patients (LSM: n = 8; 44.6 ± 14.3 years; Self-care: n = 8; 49.25 ± 4.30 years) additionally underwent the TSST. State anxiety, blood pressure, pulse, complete blood counts, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin were measured at baseline (-15 min), stress (+10 min), recovery1 (+20 min) and recovery2 (+55 min). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05; for the exploratory sub-study using the TSST, p-values < 0.10 were considered significant.

Results

Patients' perceived stress declined significantly after the LSM (p < 0.001) compared with control. This lasted until week 24 (p = 0.023) but did not persist until week 48 (p = 0.060). After 48 weeks, patients' flourishing was significantly increased compared with control (p = 0.006). In response to the TSST, significant group differences were evident for pulse (p = 0.015), adrenaline (p = 0.037) and anxiety (p = 0.066). After 55 min, group differences were found for ACTH (p = 0.067) and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.050).

Conclusions

LSM has a medium-term positive effect on perceived stress. First indications show that it is promising to investigate these effects further under laboratory conditions. It is also desirable to find out how the effects of LSM can be maintained in the long term.

SUBMITTER: Koch AK

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8584874 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BackgroundOver 2 million people in Europe are affected by ulcerative colitis, which often severely impacts the quality of life of those concerned. Among other factors, lifestyle and psychosocial factors seem to play an important role in pathogenesis and course of the disease and can be addressed as a complement to pharmacotherapy in comprehensive lifestyle modification programs.MethodsThis qualitative study as part of a mixed methods approach was carried out in the framework of a randomized controlled trial that examined the effect of a comprehensive lifestyle-modification-program (10-week-day clinic program) on quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 out of 47 patients of the intervention group after the program. The aim was to deepen, supplement, and expand the quantitative results of the trial, i.e. to examine individual perceptions of the intervention, including subjective changes and the extent to which elements of the program were integrated into everyday life. Qualitative content analysis techniques utilizing the software MAXQDA were used.ResultsPatients with ulcerative colitis in our sample often experienced multiple negative effects on different levels (physical, psychological, and social) and impaired quality of life because of their disease. They reported generally positively about the program itself, and emphasized perceived positive changes regarding their psychological and physical well-being. The interviews indicated a good implementation of elements learned during the intervention in everyday life.ConclusionsThrough participation in a comprehensive lifestyle modification program in the structure of a day clinic complementary to pharmacotherapy, patients with ulcerative colitis can reduce psychosocial stress and physical symptoms and thereby actively improve their well-being and general quality of life. This patient-centered, holistic approach was rated as useful in countering the complex disease manifestation as well as meeting the individual needs of the patients regarding their disease.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov NCT02721823.

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