An exploration of UK student physiotherapists' goal setting practices within anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation

Alexanders, Jenny; Chesterton, Paul; Brooks, Anna; Kaye, Jo Ann

Abstract

Background
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common and complex injury coupled with a lengthy rehabilitation. Goal setting is said to be an effective psychological tool within ACL rehabilitation due to its simplicity and is commonly used amongst sport and health professionals. To date, literature surrounding goal setting practices has only focused on qualified therapists.

Purpose
The central aim of this study was to explore UK student physiotherapists' perceptions towards goal setting practices used in ACL rehabilitation and whether they feel prepared for practice.

Method
Semi-structured interviews involving 11 participants from one UK university was conducted using an inductive approach. Data analysis included thematic analysis with triangulation and a comprehensive five-stage analysis process to enhance confirmability and credibility, whilst respecting ethical considerations.

Results/Discussion
Participants reported some understanding of goal setting and the importance of involving the patient during this process. However, participants negatively experienced goal setting practices as being mainly therapist/protocol led. The training participants received on goal setting was minimal, but further training was welcomed by all participants. The findings were consistent with previous UK and international research surrounding inadequate education and training across sport and health professionals when applying goal setting practice within ACL rehabilitation.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that, initially, a review of the psychological content of sport and health professional courses is warranted to clearly identify potential knowledge gaps. There is also an opportunity whereby a global specialist interest group could be designed to share psychological practices and globally connect like-minded sport and health professionals together.

Citation

Alexanders, J., Chesterton, P., Brooks, A., & Kaye, J. A. (2021). An exploration of UK student physiotherapists' goal setting practices within anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation. Musculoskeletal Care, 19(2), https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1519

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 2, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Oct 27, 2020
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Deposit Date: Jun 27, 2023
• Journal: Musculoskeletal Care
• Print ISSN: 1478-2189
• Electronic ISSN: 1557-0681
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 2
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1519
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1170768
• Related Public URLs: https://research.tees.ac.uk/en/publications/an-exploration-of-uk-student-physiotherapists-goal-setting-practi