The benefits of physical activity in patient recovery

When the terms "physical activity" and "patient recovery" are used in the same sentence, many people might think first about musculoskeletal injuries that require weeks of physical therapy to overcome — for example, a repaired ACL in the knee, spinal fusion surgery, or a broken bone all necessitate structured exercise for better outcomes.

While it's important for those patients to get this type of therapy, they're far from the only ones who can see benefits from consistent physical activity. Whether exercise is done under the supervision of a professional like a physical therapist, or it's done independently in an on-site medical fitness center, the advantages can be profound.

For example, research in the journal Heliyon found that physical activity helped those with COVID-19 restore their respiratory function much faster than those who were sedentary. Another study, in BMJ Open, suggests that preoperative physical activity is associated with faster physical recovery for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. The same seems to be true for colorectal cancer surgery, research in BMC Cancer noted.

These are just a few of the benefits seen with specific conditions. Here are some notable examples that apply to a breadth of patients, as well as health systems:

Lower Readmission Rates
It's doubtful there's a health system in the country that doesn't focus on trying to reduce its readmission rates. While a notable amount of readmission may be out of a hospital's control—for instance, disease progression that causes new or worsening symptoms or poor adherence to post-hospitalization instructions can land a patient back into a system's care — it's essential for health systems to control what they can to reduce readmissions.

That's a goal requiring multiple types of strategies, including patient education and enhanced staff training, and encouraging physical activity should be a component of that plan. Having a well-managed medical fitness center staffed with professionals makes it easier for recovering patients to have the support they need, as part of a continuum of care.

For example, research from the American Physical Therapy Association found that individuals who received outpatient therapy in the first 30 days after discharge from the hospital due to stroke were significantly less likely to be readmitted in the following 30 days compared to those who didn't have therapy.

Another study, looking at older adults discharged from the hospital, shows that a hospital-based physical therapy program, such as the type offered at a medical fitness center, can reduce the 30-day readmission rate for reduced physical function and community-acquired pneumonia.

Also, for community members who are not outpatients, having this type of medical fitness center can help reduce the use of hospital services in the first place, since the focus will be on preventative health that improves overall wellbeing.

Better Long-Term Recovery and Health Outcomes
Whether a patient is increasing physical activity before surgery, trying to improve pelvic health following delivery of a baby, getting mobile after a hip or knee replacement, or rebuilding physical skills after a stroke, having access to highly qualified, certified physical therapy and exercise professionals is key.

There's a huge difference between joining a gym — especially the large, big-box type facilities — and utilizing an on-site medical fitness center, which is geared toward patient recovery as one of its foundational elements. Although a gym may have certified personal trainers, it's difficult to surmise whether they may have experience with specific conditions like congestive heart failure, postnatal recovery, diabetes, joint replacements, cancer treatment, or any other medical issue.

By tapping into the insights and experience of professionals who know exactly how to optimize recovery in these situations is one more way to improve health outcomes for patients and prevent complications in the future.

Also, medical fitness centers bring other health professionals into the mix, such as registered dietitians, diabetes educators, weight management experts, and behavioral lifestyle coaches. Blending these specialties together can help patients make necessary changes for better recovery in the short-term, but also for improved long-term health.

Improved Mental Health
With any medical condition, mental health and the mindset of the patient tends to be a factor for many aspects of care, from medication adherence to pain perception. With medical conditions that require ongoing recovery — such as cardiac function, cancer treatment, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders — supporting emotional wellness is a fundamental part of bolstering recovery outcomes.

Numerous studies suggest physical activity can be an integral part of patient recovery when it comes to supporting mental health. For instance, a research review in the journal Cancers found that physical activity can not only improve cancer treatment side effects like fatigue and sleep disruption, but it also factors into reducing levels of depression and anxiety.

A research review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine looking at physical activity and those with chronic diseases found that regular exercise was associated with greater improvements in symptoms as well as reduction in distress and depression.

In general, physical activity can play a crucial role for both body and mind for patients, no matter what type of recovery program they're following. That's why this type of activity should be considered a fundamental part of patient recovery, for both its short-term and long-term benefits.

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