Innovative Cycling Program Could Help Reduce NHS Wait Times for Physiotherapy in the UK

A recent study conducted by Bournemouth University in collaboration with University Hospitals Dorset has highlighted the potential of structured cycling programs to enhance treatment outcomes for patients suffering from hip osteoarthritis (OA), a major cause of disability among older adults in the UK. Published in The Lancet Rheumatology, the research demonstrates that group-based cycling and education sessions outperform traditional one-on-one physiotherapy in both effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

The study involved participants engaging in the "CHAIN" program, which includes weekly static cycling classes combined with educational support over eight weeks. Participants who participated in these sessions reported significant improvements in hip function and pain management. Notably, a five-year follow-up revealed that the majority of participants continued to utilize self-management strategies, with over half avoiding surgical interventions altogether.

Professor Tom Wainwright, the lead investigator from Bournemouth University and a physiotherapist at UHD, explained that this approach allows for treating multiple patients simultaneously at a lower cost compared to conventional therapy. "For the same amount of clinical time, we can treat more patients with better outcomes, which could lead to a reduction in NHS waiting lists," he stated.

Hip osteoarthritis affects approximately 10 million people in the UK, including 3.2 million with hip-specific OA. Traditionally, severe cases require hip replacement surgery, costing the NHS over £6,000 per patient. The study suggests that early intervention with group cycling programs could delay or prevent the need for surgery, thereby easing financial and logistical pressures on NHS resources.

The project’s success has led to the development of a virtual version of the program, enabling patients nationwide to participate from their homes or local gyms via an app. The researchers also partnered with BH Live, a charity and leisure operator, to deliver in-person sessions, which have been praised for improving muscle strength, joint flexibility, balance, and overall pain reduction.

Participants like Sue, who was initially unable to walk or dance due to hip pain, experienced remarkable improvements through the cycling program, regaining mobility and quality of life.

Future plans aim to extend the program nationally by training clinical teams across the UK with a comprehensive toolkit. Professor Wainwright emphasized that such initiatives could revolutionize how hip OA is managed in the healthcare system, ultimately benefiting thousands of patients and reducing NHS costs.

The study underscores the importance of innovative, group-based interventions in managing chronic musculoskeletal conditions and highlights the potential for cycling programs to transform osteoarthritis care.