STICK2IT: Understanding exercise adherence in Achilles tendinopathy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
STICK2IT: Identifying and Prioritising Determinants of Adherence to Progressive Tendon-Loading Exercise in People with Achilles Tendinopathy
IRAS ID
368703
Contact name
Matthew Kenyon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East Lancashire Hospitals Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Why are we doing this research?
Achilles tendon pain is common and can affect walking, work, sport and daily life. The main treatment in the NHS is a programme of calf-strengthening exercises. These exercises can be very effective, but many people find it hard to keep doing them over time.
When pain does not improve, some people become less active. Over time, being less active can affect overall health and wellbeing. This can be especially difficult for people who are already living with other health problems or facing challenges in their daily lives.
We want to understand why some people struggle to continue with their exercises. The main question we are asking is:
What makes it easier or harder for people to stick with their NHS exercise programme for Achilles tendon pain?
This research is important because if we understand people’s real experiences, we can design better support that helps people recover and stay active.
What is being studied?
We are studying people’s experiences of doing NHS physiotherapy exercises for Achilles tendon pain.
Who can take part?
Adults with Achilles tendon pain who have been given exercises as part of their NHS care may be eligible. We want to include people from a range of backgrounds, including those with long-term health conditions, caring responsibilities, financial pressures, or difficulty accessing services.
Where will the study take place?
Participants may be invited through NHS physiotherapy services, local community groups in Blackburn with Darwen, and our community champions network. Interviews can take place in person, online, or by phone.
What will taking part involve?
If you take part, you will have a one-to-one interview lasting around 45 to 60 minutes. We will ask about your experience of doing your exercises, what helped, what made it difficult, and what might have made things easier.
The study will run over several months while we speak to around 30 participants.
Who is funding the research?
This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) as part of a doctoral fellowship.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/WM/0069
Date of REC Opinion
22 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion