After surgery, there is a risk of complications such as infections, bleeding, and longer hospital stays.
As a result, hospitals are increasingly encouraging patients to start moving again as quickly as possible.
A new study from Ohio State University, published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons and reported by Medical News Today, found that taking more daily steps is linked to better recovery outcomes.
Researchers found a clear connection
The researchers examined nearly 2,000 patients who had been hospitalized after surgery.
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The results showed that patients with higher activity levels generally recovered better.
According to the study, every additional 1,000 steps per day was associated with a lower risk of complications and hospital readmissions. Patients also had shorter hospital stays.
The researchers also compared step counts with other measurements, such as heart rate variability and patients’ own assessments of their health.
Step counting proved to be the most accurate indicator.
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Could become a new tool
However, the study cannot prove that taking more steps directly causes better recovery.
The researchers believe that patients may walk more because they already feel better, while movement itself may also support the rehabilitation process.
A decline in activity levels may also serve as an early warning sign of problems such as pain, infection, or dehydration.
For this reason, the researchers believe that activity trackers could help doctors detect complications more quickly.
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The goal is not to reach a specific number of steps, but rather to help patients gradually return to their normal activity levels.
Sources: Medical News Today and the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
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