Ex4TendQual V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Resistance exercise prescription and education for tendinopathy: a qualitative exploratory study of patients’ and physiotherapists’ experiences
IRAS ID
328126
Contact name
Kay Cooper
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Robert Gordon University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Tendons are cords of strong, flexible tissue that attach muscles to bones, allowing joints to move. Tendinopathy is a common condition that can affect any tendon in the body, causing pain and limiting function. Common tendinopathies include the Achilles (calf), knee (patellar), elbow (e.g., tennis elbow) and shoulder (formerly called impingement). People with tendinopathy are often seen by physiotherapists, with exercise and education being the mainstay of treatment.
We know that exercise is safe and beneficial for tendinopathy, and that strengthening exercise is most often prescribed for people with tendinopathy. However, we also know that strengthening exercise is not always prescribed at the best dosage, and that sticking to an exercise programme for tendinopathy can be challenging.
In this project we will interview people with tendinopathy about their experiences of physiotherapist-prescribed strengthening exercises, to understand the difficulties experienced by people with tendinopathy and potential solutions for overcoming these difficulties. We will also interview physiotherapists to understand how they prescribe strengthening exercise for tendinopathy, and why their prescription may not always be at the best dosage for recovery. In addition, the education provided by physiotherapists and received by people with tendinopathy will be explored to understand what topics are covered in relation to tendinopathy (such as explaining pain science, pacing, what tendons are, how tendons heal) and how education is delivered.
The findings will address a gap in the evidence on exercise and education for tendinopathy and will support the development of patient-centred exercise interventions.REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/WM/0195
Date of REC Opinion
4 Sep 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion