120 Minutes of Weekly Physical Activity Decreases Joint Pain and Doctor Appointments, Study Finds

People dealing with aching musculoskeletal areas who undertake two hours of physical activity per week experience less pain, consult their GP less frequently, and take fewer sick leave, according to recent research.

Study Results and Approach

The findings stem from an assessment of how forty thousand people with musculoskeletal discomfort in key joints participated in two 60-minute fitness programs weekly for 12 weeks.

The impact on their daily living was so profound that it has generated demands for healthcare systems to make physical activity a standard component of care for millions struggling with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

Financial and Health Advantages

If the millions of UK residents with musculoskeletal discomfort but without a treatment program were active for 120 minutes weekly, then they, their families, medical services, and the British economy would gain by as much as £34bn, experts estimate.

The structured exercise programme was analyzed by research organizations, who assessed the no-cost initiative made available to more than forty thousand people with musculoskeletal issues across multiple boroughs.

Volunteers attended two one-hour classes each week in rehabilitation gyms, supervised by rehabilitation specialists, and performed movements to boost their mobility, postural control, physical capacity, and heart health.

Key Improvements Recorded

• Showed on average a 35% reduction in discomfort

• Consulted their GP almost 30% less frequently

• Used approximately half as many days off work

• Depended on their relatives to look after them substantially reduced

"Personalized, structured physical activity is among the best treatments for people with long-term conditions. If exercise were a pill, it would be the most powerful treatment on the planet, yet it continues to be under-prescribed.

"Including it as a treatment into conventional medicine would revolutionize lives on a level no pharmaceutical could accomplish", commented a senior medical director.

Economic Impact Analysis

The analysis found that if one hundred eighty-four thousand of the 334,000 MSK patients took part in the complimentary activity initiative, that would create £1.7 billion of "community advantage".

Extending this to include the entire nation would raise that total to £34 billion, the analysts said. This would be composed of eighteen billion pounds of advantages from better wellness, thirteen billion pounds of value to loved ones and support networks, a £3bn increase to the national economy, and £230 million in direct savings for the NHS.

Specific Benefits

For example, individuals' overall health status increased by 13%, which was calculated to be valued at six thousand six hundred eighty pounds in monetary value. Likewise, their decrease in sick days was valued to be equivalent to a notable amount while the ten percent enhancement in their caregivers' quality of life was estimated at four thousand seven hundred sixty-five pounds.

Employment and Work Capacity Advantages

At the start of the pain management scheme, one in four of those who attended the classes were unable to work, and by the end of the 12 weeks, almost 10% were able to go back to their jobs.

An academic director explained that the study demonstrated "the transformative role of physical activity" in alleviating pain among the twenty-five million individuals with various persistent medical issues and represents "a blueprint" for a countrywide scheme of medically-supervised physical activity.

Medical Service Recommendations

Healthcare systems should "include systematic movement therapy in best practice guidance" and encourage medical facilities and clinics to send appropriate individuals to them, the study recommended.

However, nonprofit representatives commented that while physical activity boosted wellbeing for people with musculoskeletal issues, it was not the "complete answer" the analysis suggests; they could have challenges scheduling physical activity into their lives and often faced "challenges in getting effective treatment and help from the NHS, long delays to obtain a diagnosis and lack of therapy choices".

Existing Programmes

A month-and-a-half discomfort management scheme of information, physical activity and personal care run by some healthcare trusts in the UK, called Pain Management, which fifteen thousand patients have experienced, has been shown to improve daily living for individuals with arthritis and also reduce costs for medical services resources and funds.

Government Response

A government health agency spokesperson said: "We understand that experiencing chronic pain can have a significant impact on quality of life. We will improve medical services by moving care from sickness to proactive health to help individuals well and self-sufficient for extended periods through our 10-year health plan.

"Additionally, we will utilize the power of innovative solutions which can help keep people active. This involves ensuring all patients with long-term musculoskeletal issues have opportunity to fitness trackers as part of their treatment, especially in lower-income regions."