Physical activity and large bowel function: constipation, diarrhoea and rectal bleeding

Introduction Some of the methods used in examining function of the small intestine were discussed in Chapter 3. In this chapter, we will focus upon how acute and chronic physical activity modifies the transit of materials through the large intestine, and how this may influence such clinical problems as constipation, athlete’s diarrhoea, occult bleeding and rectal haemorrhage. Issues relating to physical activity in the prevention and management of chronic inflammatory disease, benign and malignant, and tumours of the colon are deferred to the three following chapters.