Increasing daily steps may boost surgical recovery
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- Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Surgery can take a toll on the body, and it takes time to recover. How quickly and successfully you return to normal function depends on such factors as the type of surgery, your overall health, and whether any complications occur. To support a smooth recovery, medical centers use several strategies, including encouraging people to start walking as soon as it is safe. Early mobility can help prevent problems such as lung complications, blood clots, weakness, and longer hospital stays.
A study published online May 6, 2026, by the Journal of the American College of Surgeons provided more evidence that increased walking after surgery may produce better outcomes. The researchers analyzed data from a large National Institutes of Health research program. They identified nearly 2,000 adults who underwent various types of inpatient surgery and wore step-counting devices for at least seven days before surgery and for several weeks (on average) afterward.
For every additional 1,000 steps patients made each day over their average presurgical step count, researchers found a 17% lower chance of complications and a 15% reduced likelihood of being readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. Increased postoperative walking was also linked to shorter hospital stays.
The study was observational, meaning it can’t prove cause and effect. However, it does support other studies that have shown that more walking after surgery may decrease complication rates.
When undergoing any surgery, ask your surgical team when it’s safe to start increasing your activity level. Simply getting up and moving can be a practical and effective way to improve your recovery. Using a wearable device allows you to track your progress, and it also helps your health care team identify whether you need additional support to step up your activity.
Image: © MoMo Productions/Getty Images
About the Author
Lynne Christensen, Staff Writer
About the Reviewer
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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