The Role of Physical Activity and Physiotherapists in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) cause gastrointestinal symptoms that affect patients' quality of life. IBD improves with physical activity; however, fear of movement is a limiting factor. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of kinesiophobia and assess patients' knowledge on the role of physical activity and physiotherapists in IBD management. Methods: Participants completed online questionnaires to evaluate demographic and clinical data, lifestyle, physical activity, joint complaints, and physiotherapy preferences. The Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS) was employed to assess kinesiophobia, and the Godin scale was used to assess regular physical activity. Results: Overall, 356 patients with IBD were analyzed. In total, 51% of the patients reported a decrease in physical activity. Of these, 93% have not consulted a physiotherapist, with 51% expressing a need for it. Meanwhile, 75% of the patients wanted additional information. Higher TKS scores were associated with CD, age, and joint pain. The level of kinesiophobia was high and negatively correlated with the amount of physical activity. Conclusions: Physiotherapists play an important role in patient education and influencing lifestyle in IBD. Their expertise is underutilized, and patients should be sufficiently informed regarding their illness. Integrating education and physiotherapy may reduce kinesiophobia and improve patients' quality of life.