Barnsley takes the plunge with AI poolside assistants at classes

Message from Age UK Barnsley and the Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance.

AI-assisted hydrotherapy sessions 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 the Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance (BOPPAA).

Good Boost is a national initiative that uses cutting-edge technology to enable public pools to provide personalised, therapeutic exercise programmes for people in group sessions.

Each class participant is given a waterproof tablet, propped up in a row on the poolside, so that they can each follow their own bespoke exercise routine, demonstrated by their own on-screen AI assistant.

Everyone’s exercise routine is designed to target their needs, go at their own pace and work towards their goals.

Anne Nixon, Health and Wellbeing Delivery Manager for BPL, said: “We’re very excited to add the Good Boost programme to Barnsley’s health and wellbeing landscape.

“Lots of people have to deal with musculoskeletal issues or inflammation problems as they get older 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 dumbbells, balls and noodles. And, 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-on-one consultation where the person is helped to set up their personal profile with a secure log-in on their dedicated tablets. 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 person at the end of every session to develop and adapt the course of treatment as it goes along.

BOPPAA, funded through Barnsley Council and led by Age UK Barnsley, aims to help more people stay fit and active as they get older, tackling health inequalities and reducing pressure on the NHS. The programme has covered the cost of 24 tablets for BPL’s pioneering Good Boost classes.

Catherine Witherington, Chief Executive of Age UK Barnsley, said: “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. It’s a real game changer.”

Barnsley is one of the first places in South Yorkshire to adopt Good Boost’s pioneering AI-powered therapeutic technology.

The twelve-week Good Boost courses take place on Mondays, from 9am to 10am, at Barnsley Metrodome and on Wednesdays, from 3pm to 4pm, at Royston Leisure Centre. BPL aims to extend these classes to Hoyland Leisure Centre next year.

Good Boost is open to people aged 50 plus with long-term health issues, such as joint pain, neurological conditions and rheumatoid arthritis. It’s also here to help anyone recovering from strokes, falls, joint replacements or other operations.

Places are limited, and applicants are assessed based on their need and how much they’d benefit. Residents can apply directly to BPL’s Healthy Lifestyle Advisors or be referred through health and social care professionals in GP surgeries and hospitals.

Councillor Wendy Cain, 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.”