Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Pain Neuroscience Education in 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.

NCT Number	NCT07397533
Lead Sponsor	Istinye University
Conditions	Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Enrollment	33 participants
Start Date	2026-09
Primary Completion	2027-09 (estimated)
Study Completion	2028-12 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-02-11