According to a study, walking for 25 minutes every day in the hospital is sufficient to counter the problems caused by bedrest for older patients.
Even patients who are mobile can spend most of their time in bed due to fears of missing visits from medical professionals.
However, inactivity during this period can lead to post-hospital syndrome, which is associated with physical decline after discharge.
This syndrome may result in re-admission, disability, placement in a nursing home, other illnesses, and even death.
The study suggests that even slow walking for 25 minutes per day while in the hospital can help alleviate the issues caused by bedrest.
According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the recommended amount of walking in hospitals is at least 50 minutes each day.
The authors of the study also suggest that a combination of physical activities, such as 20 minutes of resistance band work and 20 minutes of aerobic activity, for a total of 40 minutes can provide benefits.
The study, led by Spanish researchers, included 3,842 participants from 19 different studies.
After analyzing the findings, the authors determined that ambulation, or the ability to walk without assistance, was the most effective way for mobile patients to counter the effects of bedrest.
The researchers stated, “Just 25 minutes of slow-paced walking per day is enough to improve functional capacity and minimize adverse events in this population.”
They also discovered that patients who remained active during their hospital stays were less likely to experience adverse events after being discharged.
The authors argued that physical activity should be a fundamental part of the daily routine for older adults in the hospital.
They added, “Health care practitioners in hospital settings can utilize this information to improve mobility and health outcomes for hospitalized older adults.”
In a separate study published in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, it was found that peppermint oil aromatherapy may alleviate pain in patients after open-heart surgery.
One group of 32 individuals received seven sessions of the herbal product over two days, while another group of 32 received distilled water.
The group who received the peppermint oil reported lower pain scores and required fewer pain medications.
They also reported better sleep quality.
The Iranian researchers concluded, “This herbal product can be safely used as a complementary treatment to relieve pain and improve patient comfort after heart surgery.”