The study found that a decrease in physical activity during the pandemic led to an increase in medical costs. This emphasizes the importance of mobility for health. The results were published in the journal Journal of Transportation and Health (JTH).
Scientists from Osaka University analyzed data from Japanese patients who used activity tracking devices during the COVID-19 pandemic. It turns out that increasing the number of walks can reduce the cost of treatment for 11 diseases by more than 70%. Additionally, increased use of public transportation has reduced costs by more than 110%. This effect was stronger in Japan’s more developed provinces. In the worst-case scenario, increased driving time resulted in a 160% increase in medical costs.
These results will allow governments to better prepare for future epidemics and highlight the need to take measures other than restricting going out and using public transport. The authors also believe there is a need to create walkable cities where people can live without cars.
previous doctors to create New risk factor for heart problems.