Two Hours of Weekly Exercise Shown to Substantially Reduce joint Pain,Return People to Work
LONDON – A new analysis reveals that just two hours of structured exercise per week can dramatically reduce joint pain and improve the ability of sufferers to return to work,offering a potential blueprint for a nationwide NHS program. The findings suggest a shift towards preventative care could alleviate pressure on the healthcare system and improve the quality of life for millions.
At the start of Nuffield‘s joint pain programme, one in four attendees were unable to work. However, by the end of the 12-week course, almost one in 10 were fit enough to return to their jobs, according to Nick Woolley, a manager at Frontier Economics.
The research highlights “the transformative role of movement” in alleviating pain among the 25 million Britons living with one or more long-term health conditions, according to Prof Tim Cable, director of MMU’s institute of sport. He believes the results represent “a blueprint” for a nationwide programme of NHS-provided exercise.
The analysis recommends the NHS “include structured exercise programmes in best practice guidance” and actively encourage referrals to these programmes from hospitals and GP practices.
Existing programmes, such as the six-week pain reduction programme ‘Escape Pain’ – utilized by 15,000 people – have already demonstrated improvements in quality of life for those with arthritis and have shown to save the NHS both time and money.
While acknowledging the benefits of exercise, Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Versus Arthritis, cautioned that it is not a “solve-all” solution. She noted that individuals may face difficulties integrating exercise into their lives and often encounter “challenges in accessing effective treatment and support from the NHS, long delays to secure a diagnosis and lack of treatment options.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson stated that the government recognises the significant impact of chronic pain on quality of life and intends to transform the NHS by shifting focus from sickness to prevention, aiming to keep people healthy and independent for longer through its 10-year health plan. The department also plans to leverage technology,including providing wearable technology to patients with chronic pain,notably in deprived areas.
