A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine highlights the significant impact of structured exercise programs on reducing hospitalization rates among older adults in the United States, with notable gender-specific outcomes. The research shows that self-referred participation in a community-based exercise program led to a 46% reduction in the risk of all-cause hospitalization, especially among women participants.
One of the study’s key strengths lies in its examination of time to first hospitalization. Participants in the exercise program exhibited a longer period before their first hospitalization compared to non-participants, demonstrating the positive impact of regular physical activity on health. While the study did not find significant differences in emergency department visits or cardiovascular hospitalizations, it did observe a trend towards fewer emergency department visits, particularly among women participants.
A notable aspect of the study is the gender difference in the effects of the exercise program. Women were 3.25 times more likely to self-refer to the program compared to men. These women were generally younger and had fewer cardiovascular risk factors than their male counterparts. Men in the study tended to be older and were more likely to have comorbid conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, which may have contributed to the less pronounced benefits of exercise in reducing hospitalizations for men.
The study found that women who participated in the exercise program experienced a significant reduction in hospitalization rates compared to non-participating women. In contrast, the difference in hospitalization rates for men was not statistically significant. The researchers suggest that this disparity may be due to the higher age and greater burden of comorbidities among men in the cohort.
“These findings extend the literature that supports the association of exercise with reduced hospitalizations,” the authors said, highlighting the importance of their work in adding to the growing body of research on the health benefits of physical activity. Indeed, their findings align with several other studies that have shown similar outcomes.
This study suggests that regular physical activity can not only improve physical performance but also reduce the need for hospital care, especially among women. The researchers call for further prospective studies to explore the gender-specific effects of exercise programs and confirm these results. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the role of exercise in promoting better health outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization.
Sources: American Journal of Preventative Medicine, Medscape