Nuffield Health research adds to evidence on benefits of exercise programmes
Research carried out by Nuffield Health, Frontier Economics and Manchester Metropolitan University, shows that expanding their programme would generate at least £1.7bn in social and economic value.
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New analysis suggests scaling a free Joint Pain Programme from Nuffield Health could transform lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and boost Greater Manchester’s economy.
The research, carried out by Nuffield Health, Frontier Economics and Manchester Metropolitan University, shows that expansion would generate at least £1.7bn in social and economic value.
Better health outcomes are estimated as 900k sick days prevented, 250k GP appointments avoided, freeing up 160k carer days, and 3,000 people able to return to work.
Nuffield Health’s programme has supported over 40,000 people living with musculoskeletal conditions, delivering measurable improvements in pain, joint function, and quality of life.
Delivered across 110 Fitness and Wellbeing Centres by Rehabilitation Specialists, the Joint Pain Programme shows how exercise can safely and effectively manage long-term conditions.
A similar State of Life report, released by GM Active in August, found exercise referral programmes in GM are boosting physical and mental wellbeing and reducing strain on the NHS.
Taken together, the findings add to an growing case for expanding and embedding exercise referral as part of the shift from treatment to prevention outlined in the NHS 10-Year Plan.
Such a commitment would also support Greater Manchester’s wider Live Well ambition to create a public health system that reduces inequalities and pressure on public services.
Nuffield Health have used the report to codesign a Long-Term Conditions programme being offered in sites across Greater Manchester with GM Moving sharing the new offer with clinical and non-clinical staff.
The webinar raised awareness of the programme with staff, including social prescribers and WorkWell colleagues, who are local to GM’s Nuffield sites and can refer patients to the physical activity offer.
The Long-Term Conditions programme is also being delivered at MMU-owned, community space Platt Lane Sports Complex, to improve the support available in local neighbourhoods.
Kate Harding, GM Moving Strategic Lead for Health Inequalities, said:
“It’s great to see a growing body of evidence which demonstrates the value and clear benefits of supporting people with long-term health conditions do structured exercise tailored to them.
“Movement has a fundamental role to play in supporting the NHS deliver on the recent 10-Year Plan, in particular their shift towards prevention and moving care into the community.
“We look forward to working closely with partners in the charity, leisure, and health sectors throughout 2026 and beyond to help Greater Manchester deliver this strategy.”
Contact Alison Barrett or Ellis Goddard at Nuffield Health to learn more.
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