'I was surprised at how little [information] I'd retained': a qualitative study of experiences with an internet-based education and exercise intervention for shoulder pain

Disabil Rehabil. 2026 Jul 23:1-13. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2026.2705794. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Internet-based interventions for shoulder pain are promising, yet delivery and patient engagement remain poorly understood. This study explored the experiences of physiotherapists and people with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) regarding the internet-based delivery of education and exercise in a randomised pilot trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A purposive sample of people with RCRSP (n = 10) who received an internet-based intervention, with or without telehealth, in a randomised pilot trial were interviewed. Physiotherapists who delivered telehealth (n = 4) participated in a focus group to explore their perceptions and experiences with the intervention. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: We identified six themes: (1) Knowledge fostered behaviour change and reassurance, (2) Online materials were helpful, with varying format preferences, (3) Retaining educational content and remembering to complete exercises can be challenging, (4) Exercises were simple and convenient, but instructions could be improved, (5) Access to exercise equipment and environment setup as barriers, (6) Group telehealth boosted participant's motivation, but strategies to improve group dynamics are needed.

CONCLUSION: While people with RCRSP generally found the internet-based and telehealth intervention beneficial in supporting behaviour change, challenges related to information retention, exercise adherence, resource access, and physiotherapists' delivery need to be considered.

PMID:42487524 | DOI:10.1080/09638288.2026.2705794