Table 1 Participant inclusion and exclusion criteria

• Male or female, aged 18–65

• Unilateral pain in mid-portion AT

• Pain present for ≥ 3 months

• Morning pain or stiffness

• Access to a smart phone, tablet or laptop

• Competent in English

• Suspicions of AT rupture

• Previous AT surgery on affected side

• Bilateral or insertional AT

• Co-existing ankle or foot pathology or confounding lower limb injury

• Systemic disease

• Metabolic or endocrine disorders

• Previous corticosteroid injection at/near site in last 3 months

• Use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in last 2 years

• Participation in an active AT strengthening programme in the previous 3 months

• Physical condition that prevented participation in an active exercise programme