The exercise class that is ‘better than physio’ for some patients
Weekly spin classes may be more effective and affordable than physiotherapy, study finds
- New research indicates that weekly group spin classes may be more beneficial and cost-effective than standard physiotherapy for individuals with hip osteoarthritis.
- A study published in The Lancet Rheumatology involved 211 participants, comparing an eight-week cycling and education program, known as Chain, with usual physiotherapy care.
- The Chain program participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in patient-reported function compared to those receiving standard physiotherapy.
- Experts from Bournemouth University and University Hospitals Dorset suggest this method could reduce NHS waiting times for physiotherapy and alleviate financial pressure.
- While the Chain intervention has been available since 2013, researchers emphasize that longer-term benefits and broader generalizability warrant further investigation.