Association of Leisure-time Physical Activity Patterns with Constipation:Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND: To explore 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 (RCS) were used to examine the relationship between PA patterns and constipation. RESULTS: Sufficiently active (OR: 0.67, 95% 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). RCS analysis found 150 minutes of PA per week significantly reduced constipation. CONCLUSION: Engaging in regular PA, with 20-30 minutes per session, at least five days a week, effectively reduces the likelihood of constipation.