One of my jobs as a Oceanside personal trainer is to bring you the latest in fitness and health news. Here’s an article that I think you might enjoy.
Physical activity has long been associated with numerous health benefits, but a new study from the University of Iowa underscores just how critical regular exercise is in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. This comprehensive study, led by Lucas Carr, associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Physiology, provides compelling evidence that patients who engage in moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 150 minutes per week have a significantly lower risk of developing 19 chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and diabetes.
The research team analyzed responses from more than 7,000 patients at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center who completed a physical activity questionnaire. The results were striking: those who reported the highest levels of physical activity exhibited a markedly lower risk of chronic diseases compared to their less active counterparts. Conversely, patients who reported minimal to no physical activity were found to be at a heightened risk of developing chronic health issues.
This study not only reinforces the well-known link between physical activity and disease prevention but also highlights the need for healthcare providers to integrate physical activity assessments into routine patient care. Carr and his team advocate for the implementation of a simple two-question survey, known as the Exercise Vital Sign survey, for all patients. This survey asks:
- “On average, how many days per week do you engage in moderate to vigorous exercise (like a brisk walk)?”
- “On average, how many minutes do you engage in exercise at this level?”
The simplicity of this survey means it takes less than 30 seconds to complete but provides invaluable insights into a patient’s overall health. The study found that patients who completed this survey were generally younger and healthier than those who did not, suggesting that individuals who prioritize their health are more likely to participate in wellness exams and maintain active lifestyles.
A significant challenge in promoting physical activity within the healthcare system is the lack of reimbursement for exercise counseling services. However, Carr’s related study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that when healthcare providers billed for exercise counseling, insurance companies reimbursed these services nearly 95% of the time. This finding challenges the misconception that exercise counseling is not financially viable for healthcare providers and underscores the potential for integrating physical activity assessments and counseling into standard care practices.
The study’s recommendation for universal physical activity assessments is not only feasible but also essential in a healthcare landscape where chronic diseases are prevalent and costly. Chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer account for a significant portion of healthcare expenditures and patient morbidity. By encouraging physical activity through routine assessments and counseling, healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in disease prevention and health promotion.
The researchers also emphasize the importance of providing support services for physically inactive patients. Carr suggests that healthcare systems need to establish clear pathways to connect at-risk patients with resources such as exercise prescriptions, community health programs, and wellness services. Such interventions can help patients overcome barriers to physical activity and improve their overall health outcomes.
This study also sheds light on the current gap in healthcare practices regarding physical activity assessments. Most hospitals in the United States do not routinely ask patients about their physical activity levels, and no hospital system in the Midwest has implemented such surveys. The research team partnered with Britt Marcussen, a family medicine physician at UI Health Care, to offer the Exercise Vital Sign survey during annual wellness exams between November 2017 and December 2022. This partnership highlights the feasibility of integrating physical activity assessments into regular patient care without disrupting clinical workflows.
The data collected from over 7,000 patients were compared with records from more than 33,000 patients who did not complete the survey. This comparison revealed that survey participants were generally in better health, further reinforcing the association between physical activity and improved health outcomes. The study also highlights the potential for physical activity assessments to serve as a preventive tool in identifying and mitigating chronic disease risks.
Healthcare providers can leverage these findings to advocate for policy changes that support physical activity assessments and counseling. By demonstrating the high reimbursement rates for exercise counseling, this research provides a strong economic argument for integrating these services into patient care. Additionally, the simplicity and efficiency of the Exercise Vital Sign survey make it an attractive option for healthcare systems aiming to enhance preventive care without adding significant administrative burdens.
The study’s authors include Cole Chapman, assistant professor in the College of Pharmacy, who collected and analyzed the patient data, along with Britt Marcussen and Mary Schroeder, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science. Their collaborative efforts highlight the interdisciplinary approach needed to address complex health challenges such as chronic disease prevention.
The implications of this study are profound. As chronic diseases continue to rise globally, the need for effective prevention strategies becomes increasingly urgent. Physical activity is a low-cost, high-impact intervention that can significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases. By incorporating physical activity assessments into routine care, healthcare providers can identify at-risk patients early and provide the necessary support to improve their health outcomes.
Patients also stand to benefit from increased awareness of the importance of physical activity. Routine assessments can serve as a prompt for patients to reflect on their activity levels and make necessary lifestyle changes. Moreover, access to resources such as exercise prescriptions and community programs can empower patients to take control of their health and prevent chronic conditions.
The study calls for a paradigm shift in how healthcare systems approach disease prevention. Rather than focusing solely on treating chronic conditions, there is a need to prioritize preventive measures that promote long-term health. Physical activity assessments are a critical component of this preventive approach, offering a simple yet effective way to enhance patient care and reduce the burden of chronic diseases.
In conclusion, the University of Iowa study provides compelling evidence that regular physical activity significantly reduces the risk of chronic diseases. The researchers advocate for universal physical activity assessments in healthcare settings, highlighting the feasibility, benefits, and economic viability of such initiatives. By integrating physical activity surveys and counseling into routine care, healthcare providers can play a crucial role in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.