HYDROTHERAPY sessions which are assisted by AI have been launched at two Barnsley pools to help older people with health conditions improve their strength, balance and mobility.
Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) has introduced Good Boost classes at its Metrodome and Royston pools, in partnership with Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance (BOPPAA).
Good Boost is a national initiative which uses cutting edge technology to enable public pools to provide personalised therapeutic exercise programmes for individuals in group sessions.
Each participant is given a waterproof tablet - propped up in a row on the poolside in chunky frames - so that they can each follow their own bespoke exercise routine, demonstrated by their own on-screen AI assistant.
Each individual’s exercise routine is designed to target their needs, go at their pace and work towards their goals.
Anne Nixon, from BPL, said: “We’re very excited to add the Good Boost programme to Barnsley’s health and wellbeing landscape.
“Lots of people, as they get older, have to deal with musculoskeletal issues or inflammation problems and would really benefit from good quality hydrotherapy, but face long waits for support at specialist NHS pools and services.
“Good Boost enables us to provide an accessible and affordable option in our community pools.
“The groups are very focused on providing good therapeutic exercise for each individual, but they are fun, sociable and supportive too.
“As well as the tablets, we still have the dumb-bells, balls and noodles.
“There is always a real-life assistant poolside to help participants with their exercises and their AI tech.”
The Good Boost process starts with a one-to-one consultation, where the individual is helped to set up a personal profile with secure login on their dedicated tablet. They can then input facts about their condition, health issues, medications and aims.
An AI-powered tool designed by medical professionals then devises a personalised exercise programme.
It takes feedback from the user at the end of every session to develop and adapt the course of treatment as it goes along.
Catherine Witherington, chief executive of Age UK Barnsley, added: “BOPPAA is very pleased to help BPL bring Good Boost to Barnsley.
“We know water-based exercise is a great way to improve muscle strength, bone health and balance for all older people.
“For those who are recovering from a fall or a joint replacement, or struggling with a long-term health condition, Good Boost offers a personalised exercise plan which could make a huge difference to them.”
The 12-week Good Boost courses run at the Metrodome on Mondays, from 9am to 10am, and Royston Leisure Centre on Wednesdays, 3pm to 4pm.
BPL aims to extend classes to its Hoyland pool next year.
Councillor Wendy Cain, Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “We’re committed to making sure our communities can get the right support to live happy, healthy lives.
“Thanks to BOPPAA, we’ve been able to bring fun, sociable activities to our communities, helping more residents stay active, try something new and improve their strength and balance as they get older.
“We’re proud to do things differently in Barnsley for our residents, so we’re excited to see BPL dipping their toe into the potential for AI to improve access to hydrotherapy for more people, offering personalised support in a friendly, affordable way.”
