Two hours of exercise a week reduces joint pain and visits to GP

Study looks at how workouts can help those with hip, knee and back pain – and benefit UK economy to tune of £34bn

People with sore joints who exercise for two hours a week have less pain, visit their GP less and take less sick leave, a study has found.

The findings are from an analysis of how 40,000 people in Greater Manchester with hip, back or knee pain fared when they did two one-hour exercise classes for 12 weeks.

Had on average 35% less pain.

Went to see their GP 29% less often.

Took almost half as many sick days from work.

Needed their family to look after them 21% less.