Researchers suggest that a brief two-question survey could assist doctors in identifying physical inactivity and preventing chronic diseases. According to a study conducted by the University of Iowa, simply asking patients about their weekly exercise routine could offer valuable insights into their long-term health. By inquiring about the frequency and intensity of physical activity, healthcare providers can potentially detect risks for nearly 20 different chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Despite the well-documented benefits of regular exercise, many medical facilities do not routinely inquire about patients’ physical activity levels during check-ups. The study revealed that patients who reported meeting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week had a lower likelihood of developing various chronic diseases compared to those who reported minimal or no physical activity.
Lead author Lucas Carr emphasized the efficiency of the two-question survey, which takes less than 30 seconds to complete and provides valuable insights into a patient’s overall health. The tool utilized in the study, known as the Exercise Vital Sign survey, aims to highlight the importance of physical activity as a fundamental aspect of healthcare monitoring, similar to assessing blood pressure or weight.
The study’s findings underscore the significant impact that incorporating questions about physical activity into routine medical assessments can have on patient care. By encouraging discussions about exercise habits during wellness exams, healthcare providers can not only identify potential health risks early on but also promote healthy behaviors among patients.
“In explaining the importance of being physically active, Carr mentions that the survey not only identifies those who are already healthy, but also helps doctors detect potential issues early on in those who are not. The study analyzed the activity levels of 7,261 patients screened with the Exercise Vital Sign at a large midwestern university hospital between 2017 and 2022.
After identifying a problem, it is crucial to have a plan to address it. The researchers recommend providing extra support to patients reporting low activity levels, such as referrals to fitness classes, exercise prescriptions, or meetings with community health specialists to establish healthier routines. Carr highlights the need for easy connections to supportive services for patients lacking physical activity.
Supporting patients in increasing physical activity could significantly improve health outcomes by addressing inactivity before conditions like diabetes or heart disease develop. In a related study, Carr’s team found that insurance providers reimbursed about 95% of claims for exercise advice, indicating the value and financial support for physical activity counseling in healthcare settings.
The findings suggest that implementing physical activity surveys and counseling services is financially viable, encouraging health systems to adopt these practices without concerns about costs. The research emphasizes the potential impact of simple conversations about exercise on healthcare outcomes and the importance of integrating physical activity assessments into routine medical visits to prevent diseases and enhance patient well-being.”
