This Daily Habit May Improve Surgery Recovery
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Made for Walkin’: Getting your steps in every day is associated with quite a few positive health outcomes, including lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and type 2 diabetes. New research suggests another potential benefit of walking more: a decreased risk of complications after surgery.
The Study: Researchers analyzed data from 1,965 participants in the National Institutes of Health’s All for Us research program. They found every additional 1,000 steps a patient took after surgery was associated with a reduction in risk of developing post-op complications (by 18%) and being readmitted to the hospital (16%). It was also associated with a 6% shorter hospital stay.
The Takeaway: Doctors want you moving ASAP after surgery, largely to prevent dangerous blood clots from forming. The idea that you might have fewer complications, too, could encourage people to move more. The researchers recommended incorporating wearables in the recovery plan for patients to track their steps and their progress.
Keep in Mind: The study found correlation, not causation, so it’s unclear if feeling better made patients walk more or if walking more made them feel better. Get the OK from your doctor before trying any post-surgery fitness.
