In September, Crook Log, Erith and Sidcup Leisure Centres, managed by Lex Leisure, successfully launched a new exercise-based rehabilitation programme as part of a two-year research project to help improve access to musculoskeletal care in the community.
The project is led by a health and fitness consortium comprising Good Boost, ukactive, Orthopaedic Research UK, ESCAPE-pain and Arthritis Action, and aims to investigate how to transform leisure facilities into musculoskeletal (MSK) hubs which can be accessed in every community.
Over 20 million people in the UK suffer from an MSK condition, which accounts for the third largest area of NHS spend at £5bn annually. The consortium aims to design a system-based approach to better integrate leisure facilities within the nation’s healthcare infrastructure, turning them into a locally accessible network of community ‘MSK hubs’.
The aim is to reduce health inequalities and the burden on the NHS by providing local, supported, self-management options for people to better maintain mobility, physical function and reduce pain through exercise.
50 participants have attended so far and have experienced a number of benefits since its launch, and some great feedback has been received:
“One of my friends recommended the Good Boost sessions to help me recover from breaking my arm and shoulder, and they’ve really helped improve my range of movement and strength. The sessions are enjoyable and sociable, too!”
“I walk with two sticks so getting around is quite hard for me, but exercising in the water really helps. It’s built up my strength so I’ve got more energy to get around day-to-day and I feel so much happier in myself.”
These classes run on the below days:
Crook Log – Monday – 08:30-09:00 Good Boost Aqua
Erith – Thursday – 11:00-11:45 Good Boost Aqua
Sidcup – Monday – 13:30-14:15 Good Boost Land
