OBJECTIVE: to explore the perspectives, beliefs, and experiences of individuals with patellar tendinopathy (PT) following a rehabilitation program.
METHODS: A qualitative study nested within a randomized trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of two exercise programs in rehabilitation of PT. Eight individuals participated, with interviews video-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke's approach.
RESULTS: Five themes were identified from the individuals' responses: (1) motivations to seek treatment, (2) contrasting expectations about rehabilitation outcomes, (3) symptom responses to exercise therapy, (4) experiences with a gym-based exercise program, and (5) factors influencing treatment adherence.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that individuals with PT are primarily motivated by the hope of improving symptoms and function, as well as the condition's substantial impact on their ability to play sports and stay physically active. Participants identified key enablers of adherence and motivation during rehabilitation, including education and guidance from physiotherapists, the simplicity of the exercise program, supervision during sessions, and perceived short-term treatment effectiveness of treatment.
