A new study tested whether a smartphone app combined with health coaching could help people with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) feel better. IBS is a condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, and other digestive problems that can really affect daily life. Thirty-nine people with IBS used the LyfeMD app with help from a health coach for 12 weeks. The results were encouraging: most people’s symptoms improved significantly, and they also felt better emotionally, slept better, and had more energy. This suggests that using technology and personal support together might be a helpful way to treat IBS without always needing to visit a doctor’s office.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether using a smartphone app called LyfeMD combined with personal health coaching could help people with IBS feel better over 12 weeks
  • Who participated: 39 adults who had been diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) completed the full 12-week study
  • Key finding: About 63% of people had meaningful improvement in their IBS symptoms, and everyone improved in mood, anxiety, sleep quality, and overall well-being by the end of 12 weeks
  • What it means for you: If you have IBS, using an app with coaching support might help reduce your symptoms and improve how you feel overall. However, this was a small pilot study, so larger studies are needed before doctors can confidently recommend it as a standard treatment.

The Research Details

This was a pilot feasibility study, which means it was a small test to see if a new treatment approach could work before doing larger research. Thirty-nine adults with IBS used the LyfeMD smartphone app combined with personal health coaching for 12 weeks. Researchers checked in with participants at the start, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks to measure how they were doing. They used surveys to ask about stomach symptoms, mood, anxiety, sleep quality, diet, and exercise. Participants also wore Fitbit devices to track their physical activity and sleep automatically.

This study design is important because it tests whether technology combined with personal support can help people with IBS in a real-world setting. Many people with IBS don’t get proper treatment because they can’t easily access therapy or specialists. Using an app with coaching could make treatment more available to more people.

This is a pilot study with a small group of 39 people, so the results are promising but not definitive. There was no comparison group (like people who didn’t use the app), which means we can’t be completely sure the app caused the improvements. The study was published in a respected medical journal, which is a good sign. However, larger studies with comparison groups are needed to confirm these findings.

What the Results Show

IBS symptom severity improved significantly over the 12 weeks, with about 63% of participants experiencing meaningful improvement in their stomach symptoms. This is a strong result because it means more than half the people felt noticeably better. Beyond just stomach symptoms, participants also improved in several other important areas: their mood and emotional well-being got better, anxiety decreased, and sleep quality improved. These improvements happened across the board—almost everyone in the study got better in at least some of these areas. The improvements were measured using validated surveys, which are questionnaires that scientists have proven work well for measuring these types of changes.

In addition to symptom improvement, participants showed improvements in psychosocial well-being, which is a fancy way of saying their overall mental health and how they interact with others improved. Sleep quality also got better, which is important because people with IBS often struggle with sleep. The study also tracked physical activity and diet, though specific results for these weren’t detailed in the abstract. These secondary improvements are significant because IBS affects not just the stomach but also mood, sleep, and quality of life.

This research builds on existing evidence that behavioral therapies (like stress management and lifestyle changes) help IBS. However, most people with IBS don’t get access to these therapies because they’re hard to find or too expensive. This study suggests that using an app with coaching could make these proven treatments available to more people. The results align with what we know about how important the gut-brain connection is in IBS—treating both the physical symptoms and emotional stress helps people feel better.

This was a small pilot study with only 39 people, so results might not apply to everyone with IBS. There was no control group (people who didn’t use the app) to compare against, so we can’t be completely sure the app caused the improvements rather than just the passage of time or people’s expectations. The study only lasted 12 weeks, so we don’t know if improvements last longer. We also don’t know if the improvements came from the app itself, the health coaching, or the combination of both. Finally, we don’t know details about who dropped out or why, which could affect the results.

The Bottom Line

If you have IBS and want to try this approach, using the LyfeMD app combined with health coaching appears to be safe and may help reduce your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. However, this should be considered as a complement to, not a replacement for, talking with your doctor. The evidence is promising but still preliminary—think of it as a promising new option worth discussing with your healthcare provider rather than a proven cure. Confidence level: Moderate (based on a small pilot study).

This research is most relevant for adults with IBS who are looking for additional ways to manage their symptoms, especially those who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy or coaching. It may be particularly helpful for people who are comfortable using smartphone apps and want personalized support. People with severe IBS or those with other serious health conditions should still work closely with their doctor. This research is less relevant for people who don’t have IBS or those who prefer in-person treatment only.

Based on this study, you might expect to see some improvements within 6 weeks, with more noticeable changes by 12 weeks. However, everyone is different—some people may improve faster or slower. It’s important to give the program at least 6-8 weeks before deciding if it’s working for you.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your IBS symptoms daily using a simple 1-10 scale for stomach pain, bloating, and bowel movement frequency. Also track sleep quality (1-10 scale) and mood each morning. This creates a clear picture of whether the app and coaching are helping over time.
  • Start by using the app consistently every day for at least 2 weeks to establish a routine. Work with your health coach to identify one specific trigger (like stress or certain foods) to address first. Make one small lifestyle change each week, such as a 10-minute walk or a relaxation exercise, rather than trying to change everything at once.
  • Check your symptom tracking data weekly with your health coach to see patterns. Compare your scores from week 1 to week 4, then week 4 to week 8, and week 8 to week 12. Look for trends rather than day-to-day changes, since IBS symptoms naturally fluctuate. If you’re not seeing improvement by week 6, discuss adjustments with your coach.

This research describes a pilot study with a small group of people, so results are preliminary and not yet confirmed by larger studies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have IBS or think you might, please consult with your doctor or gastroenterologist before starting any new treatment, including using health apps or coaching programs. The LyfeMD app mentioned in this study should be used as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care. Always discuss new treatments with your healthcare provider, especially if you have other health conditions or take medications.