ArticleMusculoskeletal care2026
Clinical, Patient Experience and Service Outcomes of a Leisure Centre-Based NHS Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service: A Service Evaluation.
Article in Musculoskeletal care, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundMusculoskeletal (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.
methodsA 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.
resultsSixty-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.
conclusionsA 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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