Table 9 Frequency of mention count for each theme identified in the synthesis of included original studies investigating ‘patient perceptions’

Environment

11

8

19

 Social

6

8

14

  Interaction with family and friends

3

6

9

  Interaction with team and coaches

3

2

5

 Societal

5

0

5

  Access to facilities and equipment

4

4

  Access to skilled providers

1

1

Personal

28

23

51

 Psychological

16

15

31

  Fear

7

7

  Self-motivation (low/high)

4

5

9

  Met or unmet expectations

2

2

4

  Restlessness and impatience

1

1

  Hopelessness/Belief

1

1

2

  Previous experience (bad/good)

1

1

2

  Progress changeability

1

1

  Acceptance

1

1

  Positive attitude

2

2

  Feeling appreciated

1

1

  Luck

1

1

 Physiological

6

2

8

  Pain, weakness and illness

4

4

  Significant injury

1

1

  Second injury

1

1

  Maintain health and fitness

2

2

 Behavioural

6

6

12

  Organisation/lack of time (poor/good)

5

1

6

  Goal setting

1

2

3

  Persistence

2

2

  Distraction (new activities)

1

1

Treatment-related

36

46

82

 Delivery of care

18

13

31

  Length and commitment of rehabilitation

4

4

  Non-sport specific exercise

2

2

  Restrictions in activities

2

2

  Enjoyment

2

2

4

  Patient control (low/high)

2

1

3

  Insurance

2

1

3

  Assessment of progress

1

3

4

  Speed of progression of exercises (slow/fast)

1

1

2

  Early therapist discharge

1

1

  Cost

1

1

  Individualised program

3

3

  Comfort and convenience

1

1

  Cryotherapy

1

1

 Provider factors

12

13

25

  Therapeutic relationship

4

7

11

  Physiotherapist as a guide and coordinator

2

2

4

  Coordination between providers

3

2

5

  Information availability

3

2

5

 Digital health

3

8

11

  Poor accessibility

1

1

  Uncertainty of technique and safety

1

1

  Familiarity with digital devices

1

1

2

  Blended care model

2

2

  Informational and instructive

2

2

  Reminder for exercise completion

2

2

  Viewed as the future

1

1

 Group rehabilitation

3

12

15

  Interpersonal comparison

2

4

6

  Social interaction

1

1

2

  Informational support

2

2

  Fun and enjoyable

1

1

  Motivation and support

1

1

  Innovative

1

1

  Obligation

1

1

  Adequate monitoring and adaptability

1

1