The pilot forms part of ukactive’s vision for leisure centres and gyms to play a greater role in supporting the NHS and social care services.

Designed and provided in collaboration between GoodBoost, ukactive, Orthopaedic Research UK, ESCAPE-pain and Arthritis Action, the programme demonstrats how the fitness and leisure sector can work together to reduce the burden on the healthcare system. 

MSK conditions are the primary cause of disability among older adults, as more than 20 million people in the UK experience related problems, such as arthritis, chronic pain or a knee replacement. 

Figures show 70 per cent of the NHS budget is spent on such preventable conditions, while lost mobility also forces many people to enter care homes early.

Launched across 15 sites in 2022, the pilot will show how the programme could reduce pressure on acute healthcare services in primary and secondary settings, by managing conditions in community settings which are more easily accessible.

In its second phase, the pilot is expanding to a further 85 swimming pools and leisure centres nationwide, as well as being delivered at home through an online app which provides community support virtually.

The MSK health hubs will provide exercise, rehabilitation and wellbeing support to help people maintain mobility, reduce pain and improve the health of patients before and after surgery.  

As well as support from instructors, users are given computer tablets for individually tailored online guidance for their exercises, whether in the gym or the pool. 

In addition to preventing people from needing acute healthcare services, the programme reduces health inequalities by providing local, accessible, self-management options. 

The news comes as NHS England and the Government announce a Major Conditions Strategy, which represents a significant opportunity to improve the lives of millions of people by tackling major conditions that lead to years of ill health.

“The fitness and leisure sector can help reduce the burden on our NHS, social care, and the economy by providing a national activity therapy service, keeping patients out of hospitals and surgeries by encouraging them to use an MSK programme at their local pool, gym or leisure centre,” said Mike Farrar, chair of ukactive.

“Given the right conditions and support, we can scale this programme nationwide, which would have a transformative impact on our nation’s health, wellbeing and the economy. This is also a fantastic opportunity for gyms and leisure centres to diversify their offer and reach many more people who can benefit from their expertise and services.”