A recent study found that walking more than 7,500 daily steps before undergoing surgery is associated with a lower risk of post-surgical complications.
The study was conducted by researchers led by Carson Gill from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in the United States, and was written about by the “Eurek Alert” website.
The researchers found that the odds of complications occurring within 90 days after hospital discharge were halved if the patient walked more than 7,500 steps per day before the operation.
Postoperative complications usually occur in about 30% of patients, and about half of the complications occur after the patient leaves the hospital.
Steps
The researchers analyzed the health data of 475 people participating in the All of Us Research Program - a program sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health that focuses on the relationship between lifestyle, biology and environment in diverse populations - and used a device called A Fitbit, worn like a watch, to measure their daily steps.
The odds of experiencing complications within 30 days after surgery were 45% lower if patients logged more than 7,500 steps per day before surgery than if they logged less than that number.
“If we find people who are at high risk and use tools like Fitbit, we can monitor them closely after they have surgery because that allows us to detect problems before they get out of control,” Gill said, adding that one of the goals of the research is to modify physical activity in the pre-surgery period and improve Postoperative results.
Benefits of walking
Improve heart health
Walking raises your heart rate, which improves its pumping function. By walking at a moderate speed daily, and over time, the heart will be able to transport blood more easily and efficiently.
Walking every day also increases cardiovascular endurance, allowing a person to exercise longer and harder.
Maintaining bone health
Walking is an activity that uses a person's weight, so making time for it every day keeps your bones healthy, increases their density, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Improve mood
Walking can provide a daily dose of happiness, as it releases substances called endorphins that stimulate happiness and reduce stress. So walking can help control anxiety and avoid depression.
Improve sleep
Walking every day may improve sleep, partly because stress is reduced, and because when the body is tired, it will seek rest and fall asleep faster.
Increased energy levels
Deep sleep and good mood are the secrets to the energy boost you'll get when you walk every day.
Muscle strengthening
Walking exercises the muscles of the lower body, which makes them stronger and improves your fitness.
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