Effects of a Lifestyle-Based Physical Activity Intervention on Medical Expenditure in Japanese Adults: A Community-Based Retrospective Study.

Yasuyo Yoshizawa,Shinya Kuno,Junghoon Kim

doi:10.1155/2016/7530105

Yasuyo Yoshizawa, Shinya Kuno + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7530105

Copy DOI

Abstract

Background. This study aimed to investigate whether a lifestyle-based physical activity program could contribute to reduced medical expenditure. Methods. The study participants were 60 adults aged 63.1 (standard deviation, 4.4) years in the intervention group; the case-control group consisted of 300 adults who were randomly selected from Japan's national health insurance system. This community-based retrospective study incorporated a 3-year follow-up. Results. The total and outpatient medical expenditure in the intervention group were significantly lower than in the control group: total expenditure, $US640.4/year; outpatient expenditure, $369.1/year. The odds ratio for outpatient visiting was 6.47-fold higher in the control than in the intervention group. Conclusion. Our study suggests that a health program to promote physical activity can result in reduced total medical expenditure, outpatient medical expenditure, and possibly also inpatient medical expenditure.

Highlights

It is predicted that the global population will age rapidly during the half century [1]
The total medical expenditure for the intervention group was $822.8, which is lower than the total medical expenditure of $2,008.9 for residents of Kazo
We examined the longitudinal association between medical expenditure and participation in the physical activity program

Summary

Introduction

It is predicted that the global population will age rapidly during the half century [1]. Lifestylerelated endocrine or metabolic diseases account for 41.1% of medical expenditure for primary disease in 2010; musculoskeletal conditions account for 7.6% These two categories constitute 48.7% of costs for primary disease [2]. The study participants were 60 adults aged 63.1 (standard deviation, 4.4) years in the intervention group; the case-control group consisted of 300 adults who were randomly selected from Japan’s national health insurance system. This community-based retrospective study incorporated a 3-year follow-up. Our study suggests that a health program to promote physical activity can result in reduced total medical expenditure, outpatient medical expenditure, and possibly inpatient medical expenditure

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion