A pilot programme is supporting people to manage their musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions through exercise in gyms and leisure centres.
The MSK hubs model was designed and delivered in collaboration between ukactive, Good Boost, Orthopaedic Research UK, ESCAPE-pain, and Arthritis Action to determine the benefit of using gyms and leisure centres to support people to manage their MSK conditions with exercise in a community-based setting.
The CSP welcomes the ambition of this work and recognises how valuable a personalised supported exercise programme can be in supporting people with MSK conditions.
Across the pilot, 11,785 physical activity sessions were delivered successfully to 1,631 participants across 94 sites from April 2022 to March 2024.
Researchers found that 44 per cent of participants reported a noticeable improvement in the pain management of their condition after attending the sessions for 12 weeks.
CSP assistant director Sara Hazzard said:
With MSK waiting times at the highest they’ve ever been, there has never been more need for innovative solutions like this to be tested out.
'The reporting back on this model shows that gyms and leisure centres are viable non-medical community settings to support people with MSK conditions.
'People are facing increasing health challenges. Along with growing the physiotherapy workforce in the NHS, it is also time to explore and develop collaboration among healthcare professionals, exercise and fitness professionals while making best use of community spaces.'
Sara has written a blog on LinkedIn exploring the model and what it means for physiotherapy
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