UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Dublin, Ireland.
School of Allied Health, La Trobe University Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
J Foot Ankle Res. 2023 Apr 11;16(1):19. doi: 10.1186/s13047-023-00619-x.
Quantitative research has dominated the field of Achilles Tendinopathy. 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 combined with eccentric exercises which has not been previously researched. 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.
A thematic analysis as guided by Braun and Clarke was used to analyse the semi-structured interviews conducted on a purposive sample of participants with mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy who recently completed a pilot feasibility study. 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 Achilles Tendinopathy 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) Action Observation Therapy is valued and recommended (v) Recommendations for future interventions.
This study provides insightful recommendations around; exploring the use of Action Observation Therapy in Achilles Tendinopathy, the relative importance of therapeutic alliance rather than mode of therapy delivery, and that sufferers of Achilles Tendinopathy may not prioritise health seeking for this condition.
定量研究在跟腱病领域占据主导地位。定性研究的运用可以深入探究参与者的观点，为试验过程的评估提供深刻的见解，尤其是在探索一种新的干预措施（如结合离心运动的动作观察疗法）时，这种干预措施以前没有被研究过。本研究旨在定性探讨参与者参与远程医疗研究的体验，包括干预措施的可接受性、参与的动机以及对试验过程的看法。
采用 Braun 和 Clarke 指导的主题分析方法，对近期完成一项试点可行性研究的中段跟腱病参与者进行的半结构化访谈进行分析。该研究符合定性研究报告指南（COREQ）的标准。
结果/讨论：对 16 名参与者进行了访谈。确定了五个主题：（i）跟腱病的影响通常没有得到优先考虑，“接受和减轻疼痛”是一个子主题；（ii）治疗联盟对支持的影响最大；（iii）影响坚持的因素；（iv）动作观察疗法受到重视和推荐；（v）对未来干预措施的建议。
本研究围绕以下方面提供了有见地的建议：探索动作观察疗法在跟腱病中的应用，治疗联盟的相对重要性而非治疗方式的重要性，以及跟腱病患者可能不会优先考虑这种疾病的健康寻求。
