🔗 Share this article Two Hours of Regular Physical Activity Lowers Joint Pain and GP Visits, Study Reveals People dealing with aching joints who engage in two hours of exercise weekly experience decreased aching, consult their doctor less often, and take less absence from work, according to new analysis. Study Results and Approach The conclusions come from an analysis of how forty thousand individuals with hip, back or knee pain responded to two 60-minute exercise classes weekly for three months. The influence on their quality of life was so substantial that it has triggered calls for healthcare systems to make structured exercise a standard part of management for millions dealing with joint and muscle disorders. Economic and Wellness Benefits If the 3.7 million Britons with joint pain but without a care plan were active for 120 minutes each week, then they, their loved ones, the NHS, and the national economy would benefit by as much as £34bn, researchers state. The structured exercise programme was studied by health economists, who reviewed the complimentary initiative provided to over forty thousand joint pain sufferers across various districts. Individuals participated in two one-hour workouts each week in specialized facilities, guided by rehabilitation specialists, and performed exercises to enhance their movement capability, postural control, strength, and heart health. Significant Benefits Recorded Reported on average significantly reduced pain Saw their doctor 29% less often Used approximately half as many days off work Required their caregivers to care for them 21% less "Personalized, organized exercise is arguably the optimal interventions for individuals with long-term conditions. If movement were a medication, it would be the most powerful treatment on the planet, yet it is still not used enough. "Integrating it as a management strategy into conventional medicine would transform quality of life on a magnitude no medication could achieve", stated a prominent physician. Financial Impact Analysis The analysis calculated that if 184,000 of the three hundred thirty-four thousand individuals with joint pain participated in the complimentary activity initiative, that would create £1.7 billion of "social value". Applying this to include the entire nation would increase that figure to thirty-four billion pounds, the analysts stated. This would be composed of £18bn of advantages from enhanced wellbeing, thirteen billion pounds of advantages to loved ones and support networks, a £3bn stimulus to the UK economy, and £230 million in direct savings for the NHS. Detailed Benefits For example, volunteers' overall health status improved by a significant percentage, which was estimated to be worth £6,680 in economic benefit. Similarly, their drop in absenteeism was calculated to be valued at five hundred one pounds while the 10% improvement in their caregivers' life satisfaction was calculated at £4,765. Workplace and Work Capacity Benefits At the commencement of the pain management scheme, a quarter of those who participated in the programs could not work, and by the completion of the 12 weeks, almost one in 10 were healthy enough to go back to their jobs. An sports science professor explained that the study showed "the transformative role of physical activity" in alleviating discomfort among the twenty-five million individuals with one or more long-term health conditions and constitutes "a model" for a nationwide scheme of professionally-guided exercise. Healthcare Service Recommendations Healthcare systems should "incorporate structured exercise programmes in recommended care pathways" and advise medical facilities and clinics to refer appropriate individuals to them, the study said. However, charity leaders stated that while physical activity enhanced daily living for patients with the condition, it was not the "complete answer" the research suggests; they could have challenges fitting exercise into their schedules and often encountered "obstacles in getting effective treatment and support from healthcare systems, prolonged periods to obtain a professional evaluation and shortage of treatment options". Current Programmes A six-week long pain reduction scheme of guidance, movement and individual control run by some medical authorities in England, called Pain Management, which 15,000 patients have participated in, has been demonstrated to enhance wellbeing for people with joint inflammation and also reduce costs for healthcare systems time and money. Government Statement A government health agency official commented: "We know that experiencing persistent discomfort can have a significant impact on quality of life. We will improve healthcare systems by transitioning treatment from sickness to wellness to keep patients well and self-sufficient for more time through our long-term healthcare initiative. "Additionally, we will leverage the capability of technology which can help keep patients active. This encompasses making certain all individuals with long-term musculoskeletal issues have opportunity to wearable technology as part of their care, specifically in areas of deprivation."