Australians have made a significant contribution to the healthcare system, saving over $320 million in a single year through their active participation in sports and other physical activities, as revealed by a report unveiled by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The study, ‘Economics of sport and physical activity participation and injury’, sheds light on the multifaceted impact of physical activity on the nation’s health and economy.
While there are costs associated with treating sports and exercise-related injuries, the report underscores that these expenses are eclipsed by the substantial savings resulting from various health benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, strengthened bones, and enhanced mental well-being. This report is part of a broader initiative aimed at refining and validating new methodologies for assessing the costs of sports-related injuries and the potential advantages to Australians arising from increased physical activity.
Dr Heather Swanston (PhD), a spokesperson for AIHW, emphasised, “Physical activity offers both physical and psychological benefits to individuals, which, in turn, can alleviate the burden on the healthcare system by reducing the necessity for medical treatment due to illness and injuries.”
The report estimates that physical inactivity incurred approximately $2.4bn in healthcare expenditure in the fiscal year 2018-19. However, the report underscores that the healthcare system would have faced an additional $1.7bn in costs if it weren’t for the health advantages derived from the current levels of physical activity, including sports, undertaken throughout Australia.
Approximately $1.2bn was allocated to injuries sustained during physical activity, with an additional $149m directed towards osteoarthritis resulting from past physical activity-related injuries. In summary, sports and physical activities contributed to a net saving of $321m for the Australian healthcare system.
The report highlights the potential for further savings through enhanced injury prevention and management strategies in sports and other forms of physical activity. Of the $1.7bn in healthcare spending averted by physical activity in 2018-19, both males ($820m) and females ($832m) benefited significantly. Notably, $190 million in savings resulted from reduced blood pressure and its associated cardiovascular conditions, while $108 million was attributed to improved bone mineral density and reduced fracture expenses.
