Introducing a new health and fitness programme targeted at those with MSK conditions
Good Boost is now available in 15 more centres
Places Leisure is expanding access to a pioneering health and fitness programme designed to support people living with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, rolling out the NHS-approved Good Boost programme across 15 additional centres nationwide.
Specifically designed for people with limited mobility and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, Good Boost is a product which delivers personalised exercise programmes which adapt to each person based on their health, symptoms and fitness level.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, affecting bones, joints, muscles, and tendons, are among the most common and impactful health issues in the UK. Over 20 million people in the UK are living with an MSK condition. A recent study of Good Boost participants found that 45% saw significant improvement in physical function.
Powered by NHS-approved AI, the Good Boost programmes are delivered through a hand-held tablet which displays easy-to-follow gentle, rehab-focused movements that can help improve areas impacted by MSK conditions as well as improving overall fitness.
With many people already enrolled in the Good Boost programme with Places Leisure so far, the majority are seeing considerable improvement in their overall health. Including Robert who was referred to a Good Boost programme because he was experiencing pain and swelling in his knee due to arthritis. Robert previously had been active, but arthritis and a broken arm had led to not only knee pain, but he was also unable to lift his arm higher than his chest. Since taking part in the programme, Robert said that his knee is no longer swollen, he is in less pain and can walk more quickly as well as helping with the mobility in his shoulder.
Robert, participant in the Good Boost programme, said: “The physio said that they couldn't do much more to help me with my knee, so my GP said to give Good Boost a go as they'd heard good things about it, so I came along and I love it."
Jonny Pickering, Head of Healthy Communities at Places Leisure, said: “Since introducing Good Boost to several of our centres, we have seen first-hand the incredible difference this programme can make. People have seen improvements in their strength and mobility as well as improved pain management. Good Boost has also been able to support many people who were previously inactive restart their physical activity journey. As well as improvements to their health and wellbeing, many participants have also enjoyed being able to socialise with like-minded people during their Good Boost sessions.
“Those taking part in a Good Boost programme with Places Leisure will be enrolled in an 8-week course which provides weekly 45-minute group sessions which are overseen by a facilitator. Those enrolled in the programme as well as Places Leisure members can access our ‘Grab & Go’ sessions to complete Good Boost programmes independently.
“Partnerships with like-minded social enterprises like Good Boost are essential tools we can use to reach and support communities to continue to break down the barriers to physical activity and help people to improve their conditions.”
Suzanne Gabb, Chief Operating Officer at Good Boost, said: “We are thrilled to see our partnership with Places Leisure continue to grow. Over the past seven we continue to see the positive impact the programme is having on those suffering with MSK conditions who are attending the sessions at their local Places Leisure centre.
“MSK conditions are prevalent in communities across the UK and account for over 30% of GP appointments in England and cost the NHS more than £5 billion annually 1. The Good Boost programmes generate significant improvements in individual wellbeing, whilst being more than eleven times more cost-effective in comparison to equivalent NHS interventions3. By making Good Boost available in more Places Leisure sites, we hope to be able to reach and see more people benefit from the programme.”
Individuals can be referred on a Good Boost programme by their healthcare professional or they can self-refer. To find out more about the programme and referrals visit - placesleisure.org/good-boost/