By Stephen Beech
Exercise really does reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, according to a new study.
And doctors should survey all patients about their physical activity levels, say scientists.
American researchers examined responses from more than 7,000 patients at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center who noted their level of physical activity in a questionnaire.
They say their findings underscores the link between physical activity and chronic disease.
From patients’ answers to the questionnaire, the team found that those who reported the highest level of physical activity – meaning they exercised moderately to vigorously at least 150 minutes per week – were at statistically “significant lower risk” of having 19 chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
The findings, published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, further suggest patients who are least active – those that reported little to no exercise in a given week – are at increased risk of developing a chronic disease.
Based on the results, the research team also recommends health care systems provide information on health and well-being services for physically inactive patients who are at most risk.
Study leader Dr. Lucas Carr, of the University of Iowa, said: “In our healthcare environment, there’s no easy pathway for a doctor to be reimbursed for helping patients become more physically active.
“And so, for these patients, many of whom report insufficient activity, we need options to easily connect them with supportive services like exercise prescriptions and/or community health specialists.”
The survey used in the study asked patients two questions that they answered on a tablet: “On average, how many days per week do you engage in moderate to vigorous exercise (like a brisk walk)?” and “On average, how many minutes do you engage in exercise at this level?”
Dr. Carr said: “This two-question survey typically takes fewer than 30 seconds for a patient to complete, so it doesn’t interfere with their visit.
“But it can tell us a whole lot about that patient’s overall health.”
The research team also compared results from patients who completed the surveys with more than 33,000 patients who weren’t offered the survey in other areas of the hospital.
They found patients who took the survey were younger and in better health than the patient population who weren’t given the questionnaire, based on analyzing all patients’ electronic medical records.
While the link between physical activity and reduced risk of chronic disease has been known, the researchers say their study underscores the value of surveying patients about their physical activity levels.
Dr. Carr said: “We believe this finding is a result of those patients who take the time to come in for annual wellness exams also are taking more time to engage in healthy behaviors, such as being physically active.”
In a related study, published this month in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Dr. Carr’s team found that when healthcare providers billed for providing exercise counseling to patients, those invoices were reimbursed by insurance providers nearly 95% of the time.
Dr. Carr added: “Our findings suggest the recommended physical activity billing codes are reimbursed at a high rate when providers submit them for reimbursement, which reinforces the idea to make physical activity surveys and counseling services available.”
