"I've got a spring in my step" a qualitative study on participants experience of action observation therapy and eccentric exercises, a telehealth study for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy

Abstract

Background: Quantitative research has dominated the field of Achilles Tendinopathy (AT). The use of qualitative research allows in-depth exploration of participants’ perspectives, offering great insight in the evaluation of a trial’s processes, particularly when exploring a novel intervention such as Action Observation Therapy (AOT) combined with eccentric exercises which has not been previously researched.Objective: This study aimed to qualitatively explore participants experiences of partaking in a telehealth study including the acceptability of the intervention, motivators for participation, and perspectives on the trial processes. Method: A thematic analysis as guided by Braun and Clarke was used to analyse the semi-structured interviews. The study adhered to the criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines (COREQ).Results/Discussion: Sixteen participants were interviewed. The five themes identified were: (i) The impact of AT is commonly not prioritised with The acceptance and minimisation of pain as a sub-theme (ii) Therapeutic alliance has the greatest impact on support (iii) Factors which influenced adherence (iv) AOT is valued and recommended (v) Recommendations for future interventionsConclusion: This study provides insightful recommendations around; exploring the use of AOT in AT, the relative importance of therapeutic alliance rather than mode of therapy delivery, and that people with AT may not prioritise health seeking for this condition.