An ostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdominal area so that body wastes are removed into a pouch attached to the opening. With IBD patients, most ostomies are only temporary. Even if the ostomy is permanent, it causes little restrictions to physical activity levels. Most sports are safe for an ostomy patient, as the products these days are designed for active people and even enable the patient to perform water sports. Exercise has several beneficial effects for an ostomy patient. Exercise improves body-image and self-esteem, which may be poor after an ostomy surgery. It also helps maintain body weight, which is important since ostomy patients should not gain too much weight.
Sports with direct body contact, such as martial arts, may damage the stoma. Power-lifting may increase the pressure inside the abdominal cavity, thereby damaging the stoma as well. Ostomy patients can do these sports if they are careful to protect the stoma well. During intense activity, especially in the heat, it is important for an ostomy patient to drink enough, as their water and salt balance is more fragile.
It may be beneficial to empty the stoma before performing sports and check the stoma afterwards, as sweat and movements may have moved or damaged it.
For further reading:
Mälkiä, E. & Rintala, P. (2002). Uusi erityisliikunta. Helsinki: Liikuntatieteellinen Seura ry.
