Evaluating the clinical effectiveness and staff feedback of a 2-week versus 3-week lower limb rehabilitation programme at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall (UK).

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal injuries are a leading cause of morbidity, medical downgrade and discharge within the UK Armed Forces. The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) provides consultant-led, interdisciplinary residential rehabilitation based on a biopsychosocial model. In 2023-2024, DMRC delivered 2-week and 3-week lower limb rehabilitation programmes. This service evaluation compared their clinical effectiveness and explored staff experiences.

METHODS

Service personnel (SP) who completed the 2-week (April-December 2023) or 3-week (January-September 2024) courses were assessed at admission and 3-month review. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) included the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ), Brief Pain Inventory, Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire. Functional assessment tests (FATs) comprised single leg press (5-repetition maximum), glute and hamstring bridges, straight and bent knee calf raises, and side plank. Staff with experience of both models completed an anonymous questionnaire exploring perceived differences.

RESULTS

Data were analysed for 110 SP: 49 (2 weeks) and 61 (3 weeks). Across both models, all PROMs and FATs improved significantly over time (p<0.001). No significant group or group*time effects were observed (p>0.05), except for the left glute bridge (p<0.05). Staff reported a preference for the 3-week model, citing greater opportunity for one-to-one sessions, skill consolidation and personalised progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Both 2-week and 3-week lower limb rehabilitation programmes at DMRC significantly improved pain, function and psychological well-being in UK Armed Forces personnel. Although no statistical differences were identified between models, qualitative feedback supports the 3-week format for complex or persistent presentations, reinforcing the value of longer, individualised, biopsychosocial, interdisciplinary rehabilitation within military healthcare.