Association of Leisure-Time Physical Activity Patterns With Constipation: Evidence From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

INTRODUCTION: This article explores the association between leisure-time physical activity (PA) patterns and constipation using 2007-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. METHODS: Participants were categorized into inactive, insufficiently active, and sufficiently active groups, with the latter split into weekend warriors and regularly active subgroups. Constipation was defined using stool frequency and the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to examine the relationship between PA patterns and constipation. RESULTS: Sufficiently active (odds ratio [OR]: 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.96) and regularly active (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45-0.99) participants had lower odds of constipation. Regular exercise, 20-30 minutes per session, is associated with lower constipation (OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03-0.56). Restricted cubic spline analysis found 150 minutes of PA per week significantly reduced constipation. DISCUSSION: Engaging in regular PA, with 20-30 minutes per session, at least 5 days a week, effectively reduces the likelihood of constipation.