The Detrimental Effects of Prolonged Inactivity on Your Health

Overall effects of immobility:

- Musculoskeletal system:

- Muscle atrophy and weakness

- Loss of muscle tone

- Reduced flexibility

- Increased risk of falls

- Increased risk of pressure ulcers

- Osteoporosis (bone loss)

- Joint stiffness

- Pain

- Cardiovascular system:

- Increased risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)

- Decreased cardiac output and stroke volume

- Increased heart rate

- Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness or fainting upon standing)

- Respiratory system:

- Decreased lung capacity and vital capacity

- Increased risk of pneumonia

- Difficulty clearing secretions

- Atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue)

- Gastrointestinal system:

- Decreased motility and peristalsis

- Constipation

- Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers

- Malnutrition

- Integumentary system:

- Skin breakdown and pressure ulcers

- Increased risk of infection

- Psychological effects:

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Boredom

- Social isolation

- Sleep disturbance

- Metabolic effects:

- Insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes

- Increased risk of obesity

- Lipid profile changes (increased LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, decreased HDL cholesterol)

- Immune system:

- Reduced immune function and increased risk of infection

- Urinary system:

- Urinary tract infections

- Urinary incontinence

- Neurological effects:

- Cognitive impairment

- Increased risk of falls

- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)

- Other:

- Fatigue

- Weakness

- Decreased quality of life