Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

STICK2IT - Understanding Why People Do or Do Not Stick With Exercise Treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy causes ankle pain and stiffness, making daily activities difficult. The best treatment is usually special exercises given by a physiotherapist. However, many people find it hard to keep doing these exercises over time, meaning they don't get the full benefit. This study, called STICK2IT, wants to understand these challenges directly from people who have experienced them. We'll interview up to 30 adults who've had Achilles tendinopathy and NHS physiotherapy. The goal is to learn what helps or hinders people from sticking to their exercises, especially those from underserved backgrounds. This will help design better, more personal support for exercise programmes in the NHS, making treatment more effective for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 May 2027

Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)Musculoskeletal Diseases or Conditions Adherence Behaviour Change

What is this study about?

Achilles tendinopathy is a common problem that causes pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscle to your heel. This can make everyday activities like walking or exercising uncomfortable and challenging. The usual and most effective treatment involves a programme of special exercises, often guided by an NHS physiotherapist. While these exercises are known to help a lot, many people struggle to keep doing them consistently over time. This means that even with a good treatment plan, some people don't get as much relief as they could because they can't stick to the exercises as advised.

People often mention various reasons for this difficulty. They might worry that exercise will make their tendon worse, or they might be unsure if a bit of pain during exercise is normal or a sign to stop. Low confidence, slow progress, and the challenge of fitting exercises into a busy daily life are also common concerns. These challenges can be even bigger for people facing other difficulties, like long-term health conditions, money worries, language barriers, or other disadvantages. Currently, we don't have much research looking into these real-life experiences, particularly within the NHS.

This study, called STICK2IT, aims to fill this gap. We want to really understand what helps people to keep up with their NHS-prescribed Achilles tendinopathy exercises and what makes it difficult. We're especially interested in hearing from people who might be at a higher risk of not getting the best results or who might find it harder to access support. By listening to people's experiences, we hope to identify the main reasons why some people can stick with their exercises and others can't. This will help us develop new and tailored support programmes to improve how people manage their Achilles tendinopathy in the future. Ultimately, our long-term goal is to make treatment more effective, more personal, and better suited for everyone, including those whose needs are often overlooked.

Key takeaways

Understanding why exercise treatment is difficult for some people.
Improving future NHS support for Achilles tendinopathy.
Making treatment more effective and personalised for a diverse range of people.
Sharing your personal experiences can help many others.
Interviews are one-off and can be done conveniently for you.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over, who has experienced Achilles tendinopathy in the past. You should also have received physiotherapy treatment for it through the NHS.

We are particularly interested in hearing from a diverse group of people. This includes men, women, and non-binary individuals, as well as people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We also want to include people from different financial situations across the UK, to make sure our findings are relevant to as many people as possible.

You wouldn't be able to join the study if you are under 18, if your Achilles pain isn't due to tendinopathy (for example, if it's from another condition like arthritis or a ruptured tendon), or if we can't confirm your Achilles tendinopathy diagnosis through your medical records or with the study team. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part, including allowing your interview to be audio-recorded.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Have you experienced Achilles tendinopathy?
Have you had NHS physiotherapy treatment for your Achilles tendinopathy?
Are your Achilles symptoms definitely from tendinopathy, not another condition?
Are you able and willing to have your interview audio-recorded?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be invited for a one-to-one interview. This interview will last up to 45 minutes and can happen in person, online (via video call), or over the phone – whichever suits you best. During the interview, you'll be asked to share your experiences of living with Achilles tendon pain, receiving exercise treatment, and trying to follow that treatment in your day-to-day life. There will be no medication or further assessments involved, and the interview will be a one-off session.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part offers the potential benefit of helping to improve future care for people with Achilles tendinopathy, ensuring treatment is more supportive and effective for a wider range of individuals. While there are no direct personal medical benefits from participating, sharing your experiences can be valuable for others. The main risk is the time commitment for the interview and potentially discussing sensitive personal experiences, which might feel uncomfortable for a short period. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and this will not affect your current or future NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust
Verified postcode
Blackburn, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Achilles tendinopathy?

It's a common condition causing pain and stiffness in the tendon at the back of your ankle, making movement uncomfortable.

Why is this study important?

It helps us understand why people struggle to stick with exercise treatments for Achilles tendinopathy, to make future support better for everyone.

What will I have to do if I take part?

You'll have a single interview, lasting up to 45 minutes, where you'll talk about your experiences with Achilles pain and treatment.

Will I receive any new treatment?

No, this study is about understanding experiences, not testing new treatments or medications. Your current care won't change.

Who is running this study?

This study is being conducted by researchers to improve NHS care for Achilles tendinopathy patients, aiming for a better understanding of patient needs.

How to find out more

Matt Kenyon, MSc Advanced Health Care

matthew.kenyon@elht.nhs.uk ++447769187588 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.