A free exercise and social programme for individuals who have recently had a hip or knee joint replacement is being piloted at Littledown next month.
The new Joint Steps initiative is being launched by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in association with the Orthopaedic Research Institute (ORI) at Bournemouth University (BU) to enable people to improve mobility and confidence post-surgery.
Every month, more than 100 hip and knee joint replacement surgeries are carried out across the BCP region. After surgery, walking in a supportive group can help to improve both physical and mental wellbeing, improve balance and general mobility, as well as being a fun and social activity.
If successful, it is hoped the programme could be extended and delivered as one of BH Live’s regular health and wellbeing programmes which support individuals with regular exercise while living with long-term health conditions or illnesses.
Weekly walking sessions will span over six weeks. They will be led by a specially trained BH Live Active instructor and attended by Tom Wainwright, a physiotherapist, and Professor of Orthopaedics at BU.
Sessions will take place outdoors and are weather-dependent. Each session includes 30-45 minutes of gentle walking and incorporates elements to improve participants’ strength and mobility. Walking poles will be provided to participants upon request.
Each session will finish in Littledown’s Terrace Café, providing an opportunity for those taking part to chat and have refreshments.
The first session will take place Tuesday 22 April 2025 at 2:30pm in Littledown’s parkland. Sessions are open to anyone recovering from recent hip or knee replacement surgeries who is at least eight weeks post-operation and looking to progress their recovery and confidence when walking.
For more information and to register interest, get in touch with communityclasses@bhlive.org.uk.
Viv Galpin, Health and Wellbeing Manager for BH Live runs BH Live’s programme of health and wellbeing activities across the BCP region, encouraging hundreds of people into regular physical activity. She said;
“We’re delighted to continue our ongoing partnership with Professor Tom Wainwright and his team at the Orthopaedic Research Institute to deliver these sessions. Walking is incredibly beneficial for individuals who are recovering from hip or knee joint replacement surgeries. We hope that these sessions will encourage participants to build their strength, mobility, confidence, and relieve additional pressures on the NHS and other local health services.”
Tom Wainwright, Professor of Orthopaedics and Deputy Head of Orthopaedic Research Institute at Bournemouth University, said;
“As a physiotherapist and researcher in orthopaedics, I’ve seen firsthand how regular physical activity and group-based exercise can improve recovery after joint replacement surgery. Walking groups like this can provide a safe and supportive environment to build confidence and mobility—key factors in long-term recovery. This is a great opportunity to stay active and connect with others on a similar journey.”