University of Brighton sports students are helping hospital patients at risk of physical decline stay active, confident and independent as part of a pioneering NHS partnership now expanding into Brighton.
The new placement sees students from the University of Brighton’s School of Education, Sport & Health Sciences working directly on wards at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, supporting patients through gentle, confidence-building exercise sessions designed to prevent deconditioning – the rapid loss of strength, mobility and confidence that can occur during hospital stays.
Importance of remaining active
Deconditioning can begin alarmingly quickly. Research shows that just 24 hours of inactivity can start to reduce muscle strength, while a week in bed may lead to a 10% drop in muscle power. For patients recovering from illness or stroke, this loss of movement can slow recovery, increase anxiety and impact long-term independence. The initiative forms part of Stronger for Life in Hospital project, which was originally developed within East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) and is now delivered across Sussex. The programme helps patients remain active during their time on wards by using live-streamed exercise sessions, enabling patients in multiple hospitals to take part in safe, supported movement at the same time.
Expertise translating into NHS care
This winter marks the first time the programme has expanded to the Comprehensive Stroke Unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton – with University of Brighton students joining NHS teams on the ward to support patients in person. As part of the placement, the students will help patients participate in the streamed sessions, encourage safe mobility throughout the day, and apply their specialist knowledge of movement, motivation and recovery in a real healthcare setting alongside clinical staff.
While Sports and Exercise Science and Strength and Conditioning students often develop their skills in athletic or community environments, this partnership highlights how their expertise directly translates into NHS care – supporting people rebuilding strength and confidence after illness or stroke.
Preparing students for the real world
For students, the placement offers a distinctive opportunity to step beyond traditional sports settings and experience how their skills can support real patients with complex needs – where sports science meets healthcare, and movement becomes a vital part of recovery. This partnership reflects the University of Brighton’s strong commitment to preparing students for the world of work through meaningful, real-world experience. By embedding students in NHS settings alongside clinical professionals, the university ensures graduates leave with not only academic knowledge, but the confidence, practical skills and professional insight needed to make an immediate impact in health, sport and wellbeing careers.
