🔗 Share this article Two Hours of Regular Physical Activity Decreases Joint Pain and GP Visits, Study Shows Individuals suffering from aching joints who undertake 120 minutes of physical activity weekly experience reduced discomfort, consult their GP less often, and take fewer sick leave, according to recent research. Research Findings and Approach The conclusions emerge from an evaluation of how 40,000 people with musculoskeletal discomfort in key joints participated in two 60-minute exercise classes weekly for 12 weeks. The impact on their lives was so significant that it has generated requests for public health to make structured exercise a regular element of management for countless individuals dealing with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Financial and Wellness Advantages If the millions of Britons with musculoskeletal discomfort but lacking a treatment program exercised for two hours weekly, then they, their families, medical services, and the national economy would profit by as much as thirty-four billion pounds, researchers state. The structured exercise programme was examined by health economists, who reviewed the complimentary program made available to more than forty thousand people with musculoskeletal issues across multiple boroughs. Participants participated in two one-hour workouts each week in rehabilitation gyms, supervised by therapy experts, and performed activities to enhance their movement capability, postural control, physical capacity, and heart health. Key Benefits Recorded Experienced on average a 35% reduction in pain Visited their GP almost 30% less frequently Took approximately half as many days off work Needed their relatives to look after them significantly less "Personalized, systematic movement is arguably the best treatments for patients with chronic issues. If physical activity were a drug, it would be the strongest therapy on the planet, yet it continues to be under-prescribed. "Incorporating it as a therapy into standard medical care would dramatically improve patient outcomes on a level no medication could accomplish", remarked a senior medical director. Economic Impact Assessment The research calculated that if 184,000 of the 334,000 individuals with joint pain took part in the no-cost movement scheme, that would generate 1.7 billion pounds of "societal benefit". Applying this to cover the entire nation would boost that amount to thirty-four billion pounds, the researchers said. This would be made up of eighteen billion pounds of advantages from better wellness, thirteen billion pounds of advantages to family members and caregivers, a £3bn stimulus to the national economy, and £230m in straightforward financial benefits for medical systems. Specific Benefits For instance, individuals' overall health status rose by thirteen percent, which was calculated to be equivalent to six thousand six hundred eighty pounds in economic benefit. Likewise, their reduction in absenteeism was estimated to be equivalent to £501 while the ten percent increase in their family's quality of life was valued at £4,765. Workplace and Productivity Advantages At the start of the joint pain programme, 25% of those who participated in the programs were unemployed due to health, and by the end of the 12 weeks, nearly ten percent were healthy enough to resume employment. An sports science professor commented that the research demonstrated "the transformative role of movement" in managing symptoms among the twenty-five million Britons with one or more persistent medical issues and serves as "a template" for a national initiative of professionally-guided physical activity. Healthcare System Proposals Medical services should "incorporate systematic movement therapy in recommended care pathways" and prompt hospitals and GP practices to direct suitable patients to them, the study recommended. However, nonprofit leaders commented that while movement improved daily living for people with the condition, it was not the "solve-all" the research suggests; they could have challenges scheduling exercise into their lives and often faced "difficulties in obtaining effective treatment and assistance from healthcare systems, long delays to obtain a diagnosis and absence of treatment options". Current Schemes A six-week long pain reduction scheme of guidance, movement and self-management managed by some medical authorities in the UK, called Discomfort Reduction, which fifteen thousand patients have participated in, has been demonstrated to improve wellbeing for people with arthritis and also reduce costs for medical services staff hours and finances. Official Statement A Department of Health spokesperson said: "We understand that living with chronic pain can have a substantial effect on quality of life. We will improve the NHS by moving care from illness to proactive health to keep people fit and self-sufficient for longer through our decade-long wellness strategy. "Furthermore, we plan to leverage the capability of technology which can help keep people engaged. This involves ensuring all clients with persistent discomfort have availability to activity monitors as part of their care, specifically in areas of deprivation."