Evaluating change in self-reported function and pain in clients with musculoskeletal concerns attending a physiotherapy student-led service

Abstract

Musculoskeletal conditions are a major contributor to global health burden, often resulting in impaired function and persistent pain. Physiotherapy student-led services provide a model for addressing community healthcare needs while offering authentic clinical training experiences. Despite emerging research on stakeholder perceptions and satisfaction with student-led services, their impact on clinical outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate changes in self-reported function and pain and describe demographics including presenting musculoskeletal conditions among clients attending single-site physiotherapy student-led service. Ninety-nine participants (Mdn age = 29 years, IQR = 22–40) were recruited from a South-East Queensland student-led service. Demographic and presenting condition data were collected at the initial appointment, while self-reported outcome measures of function (Patient Specific Functional Scale: PSFS) and pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale: NPRS) were recorded on a 0–10 scale at all appointments. Results showed a significant positive correlation between appointment frequency and PSFS scores, with each appointment associated with a 0.766 unit increase in PSFS scores (95% CI [0.434, 1.10], t (390) = 4.53, p < .001). There was a significant negative correlation between appointment frequency and NPRS scores, with each appointment associated with a 0.58 unit decrease in NPRS scores (95% CI [-0.77, -0.39], t (141) = -5.99, p < .001). This study adds to growing evidence supporting student-led services as effective settings to improve self-reported function and reduce pain among clients with diverse musculoskeletal conditions. Further multi-site longitudinal research on student-led services is recommended.