Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a widespread chronic functional disorder characterized by both gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, including abdominal discomfort (e.g., intestinal distension and pain), altered bowel habits, indigestion, and such psychological comorbidities as anxiety, depression, and somatization. About 12% of the United States population is affected by IBS, with women being at higher risk than men. Pharmacotherapy is the first-line treatment for IBS, but it has several limitations, including high medical costs, adverse effects, intolerance, and a high placebo response rate. Instead of relying solely on drug therapy, the purpose of this critical narrative review is to examine the effects of regular endurance training and holistic mind–body movement programs (mainly yoga) on IBS symptomatology. The review summarizes evidence on these exercise approaches and examines their proposed physiological and psychophysiological mechanisms. The findings are interpreted through Merleau-Ponty’s concept of embodied consciousness, with body schema used as a conceptual framework linking physiological and psychological responses to regular exercise. Overall, this reviewed evidence suggests that regular multimodal exercise programs can maintain holistic benefits for IBS symptoms. Such programs lead to a balanced body schema that integrates the body’s psychophysiological structures for homeostasis and health.