Clinical, Patient Experience and Service Outcomes of a Leisure Centre-Based NHS Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service: A Service Evaluation.
4 affiliations
- 1Department of Allied Health, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK.
- 2Physiotherapy Department, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK.
- 3School of Health and Care, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.
- 4CV Life, Coventry, UK.
Abstract
Background
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions place substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems, increasing the demand for accessible, community-based care. This service evaluation assessed an NHS MSK physiotherapy pilot delivered in a leisure centre in a socioeconomically deprived area.Methods
A retrospective evaluation of routinely collected data was undertaken for patients attending between August 2025 and January 2026. Adults referred for physiotherapy for MSK conditions received treatment in a community leisure centre. Outcomes at initial and final appointments included MSK health (MSK-HQ), pain intensity (NPRS), physical activity (MSK-HQ physical activity item), and health-related quality of life (EQ-VAS). Linear mixed-effects models evaluated clinical outcomes. Patient experience and service utilisation data were analysed descriptively.Results
Sixty-four patients (mean age 50.6 ± 14.8 years; 60.9% female) were included, predominantly from socioeconomically deprived areas (mean Index of Multiple Deprivation 2.4 ± 1.5). 53.2% were from ethnic minority backgrounds and 13 languages were represented. Significant improvements were observed across all outcomes: MSK-HQ (+11.2), NPRS (-2.2), EQ-VAS (+19.9), and physical activity (+1.8 days/week) (all p ≤ 0.002). Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results except for physical activity. Minimal clinically important thresholds were exceeded for MSK-HQ, NPRS and EQ-VAS. Patient satisfaction was high, attendance was 72.2%, and 17.2% of patients were referred to community exercise programmes.Conclusions
A leisure centre-based NHS MSK physiotherapy model was associated with improved clinical outcomes, high patient acceptability and promising service utility. The service engages a heterogeneous population and aligns with NHS priorities for community-based care. Further comparative and economic evaluations are warranted to establish effectiveness and inform future service development.
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BibTeX
@article{mcnamee2026clinical,
title = {{Clinical, Patient Experience and Service Outcomes of a Leisure Centre-Based NHS Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service: A Service Evaluation.}},
author = {George McNamee and Victoria Roberts and Christopher Newton and Eilis O'Donnell and Chris Panter and Gladness Manecka and Simon Blay and Gurpreet Singh},
journal = {Musculoskeletal care},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1002/msc.70272},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42852576},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Clinical, Patient Experience and Service Outcomes of a Leisure Centre-Based NHS Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service: A Service Evaluation.
AU - George McNamee
AU - Victoria Roberts
AU - Christopher Newton
AU - Eilis O'Donnell
AU - Chris Panter
AU - Gladness Manecka
AU - Simon Blay
AU - Gurpreet Singh
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/30
JO - Musculoskeletal care
DO - 10.1002/msc.70272
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42852576
AB - Background Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions place substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems, increasing the demand for accessible, community-based care. This service evaluation assessed an NHS MSK physiotherapy pilot delivered in a leisure centre in a socioeconomically deprived area.Methods A retrospective evaluation of routinely collected data was undertaken for patients attending between August 2025 and January 2026. Adults referred for physiotherapy for MSK conditions received treatment in a community leisure centre. Outcomes at initial and final appointments included MSK health (MSK-HQ), pain intensity (NPRS), physical activity (MSK-HQ physical activity item), and health-related quality of life (EQ-VAS). Linear mixed-effects models evaluated clinical outcomes. Patient experience and service utilisation data were analysed descriptively.Results Sixty-four patients (mean age 50.6 ± 14.8 years; 60.9% female) were included, predominantly from socioeconomically deprived areas (mean Index of Multiple Deprivation 2.4 ± 1.5). 53.2% were from ethnic minority backgrounds and 13 languages were represented. Significant improvements were observed across all outcomes: MSK-HQ (+11.2), NPRS (-2.2), EQ-VAS (+19.9), and physical activity (+1.8 days/week) (all p ≤ 0.002). Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results except for physical activity. Minimal clinically important thresholds were exceeded for MSK-HQ, NPRS and EQ-VAS. Patient satisfaction was high, attendance was 72.2%, and 17.2% of patients were referred to community exercise programmes.Conclusions A leisure centre-based NHS MSK physiotherapy model was associated with improved clinical outcomes, high patient acceptability and promising service utility. The service engages a heterogeneous population and aligns with NHS priorities for community-based care. Further comparative and economic evaluations are warranted to establish effectiveness and inform future service development.
SN - 1478-2189
SN - 1557-0681
ER -