Feasibility of a Community-Based Aquatic and Peer Support Intervention for People With Musculoskeletal Disorders...

Worldwide, the unmet rehabilitation needs of adults with musculoskeletal disorders are high. Aquatic exercise is clinically effective in managing musculoskeletal disorders, but access to rehabilitative services is limited.

To determine the feasibility of a community-based aquatic exercise and peer support intervention for patients with musculoskeletal disorders delivered via a multisector partnership between an NHS physiotherapy service, a leisure operator and a social enterprise that creates personalised exercise programmes delivered through an application on a tablet computer. Cost-sharing was implemented after an initial complimentary session.

A mixed method service evaluation was undertaken. Patient demographics, attendance, and patient-reported outcomes were summarised using descriptive statistics. Semi-structured interviews and an online survey were employed to explore patient acceptability of the intervention.

Thirty four patients accessed the intervention during the 6-month pilot. Over half were from minority ethnic groups and nearly two thirds were in the bottom three deciles relating to low income. Patients exercised in a group of up to eight, supported by NHS rehabilitation professionals and volunteers. Provision of post-session refreshments encouraged connectivity between patients. Weekly attendance at the programme was high. Patient-reported outcome measures showed favourable changes in pain intensity and function following the intervention. Qualitative data suggest that the intervention was acceptable to patients.

Implementation of a community-based aquatic exercise and peer support intervention for people with musculoskeletal disorders via a cross-sector partnership involving the NHS appears feasible and acceptable to patients. Further research is needed to assess the impact on musculoskeletal health and health inequalities.