Core outcome set development for proximal hamstring tendinopathy (COS-PHT): a study protocol

Background: Proximal hamstring tendinopathy is a common cause of buttock pain in running based sports. A recent systematic review found outcome measures used in research studies on this condition were inconsistent, which impedes synthesis of evidence. To understand the impact tendinopathy has on patients an international collaboration (International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium Consensus Group) agreed on nine core health domains that should be measured in research on tendinopathy. The aim of this study is to develop an outcome set for proximal hamstring tendinopathy that covers all nine tendinopathy core health domains. This protocol describes the steps taken to develop this core outcome set. Methods: This mixed method study will follow two key phases. Phase one: a systematic review will produce a comprehensive list of outcome measures that have been used in studies evaluating proximal hamstring tendinopathy. Outcome measures extracted will be matched to the tendinopathy core health domains by a steering committee of clinicians and researchers. Phase two: following a Delphi process, outcome measures will be considered by experienced clinicians, researchers, and patients. Within this study, outcome measures will be screened and selected using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology filters of truth, feasibility, and discrimination, with a threshold of 70% agreement set for consensus. Discussion: This project aims to provide and disseminate a core outcome set that can be recommended for use in future studies related to proximal hamstring tendinopathy. This will have the potential to improve research quality, allow pooling of studies in meta-analysis and assist in directing future research.

Automated summary

This study aims to develop an outcome set for proximal hamstring tendinopathy that covers all nine tendinopathy core health domains. The goal is to improve research quality, allow pooling of studies in meta-analysis, and direct future research.