In a significant finding that underscores the importance of promoting physical activity, a new study published in the January 2 edition of Preventing Chronic Disease reveals that adults screened for inactivity during routine wellness visits exhibit lower rates of comorbid conditions. The study highlights the potential benefits of integrating physical activity screening into standard healthcare practices.

Led by Cole G. Chapman, Ph.D., from the University of Iowa, the research examined data from adults who attended well visits at a large Midwestern university hospital between November 1, 2017, and December 1, 2022. A total of 7,261 patients who were screened for inactivity were compared to 33,445 patients who were not screened. Additionally, the study assessed differences in health outcomes among screened individuals based on their levels of physical activity: inactive (0 minutes/week), insufficiently active (1 to 149 minutes/week), and active (150+ minutes/week) in terms of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

The analysis revealed a clear correlation between physical activity screening and improved health outcomes. Patients who were screened for inactivity were less likely to present with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension compared to those who were not screened. Among screened individuals, those who were categorized as active exhibited significantly better cardiometabolic health and a reduced risk for up to 19 inactivity-related comorbid conditions compared to their insufficiently active or inactive counterparts.

“We believe this finding is a result of those patients who take the time to come in for annual wellness exams also are taking more time to engage in healthy behaviors, such as being physically active,” said coauthor Lucas J. Carr, Ph.D., from the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center.

The study reinforces the value of routine physical activity assessments as part of preventive healthcare. By identifying inactivity during well visits, healthcare providers can encourage patients to adopt healthier lifestyles, potentially reducing the prevalence of chronic conditions linked to sedentary behaviors. This research adds to a growing body of evidence advocating for proactive health screenings to improve public health outcomes. As the healthcare community continues to emphasize the role of lifestyle modifications in disease prevention, the integration of physical activity screening may become a standard practice in clinical settings.