Patient adherence is likely an important determinant in the effectiveness of exercise recommendations for musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. However, exercise adherence for MSK pain is currently poorly conceptualised. As such, exercise adherence cannot currently be measured reliably or validly.

This study conceptualised adherence to exercise for MSK pain from the perspective of relevant stakeholders (patients, physiotherapists, and researchers). It was found to have six distinct domains: communication with experts; targets; how exercise is prescribed; patient knowledge and understanding; motivation and support; and psychological approach and attitudes.

Fifty-six statements that best describe the six domains of exercise adherence from the perspective of stakeholders were identified for future development into a new measure of exercise adherence.