Short description

The Achilles tendon rupture support app otherwise known as POP2HOP the SMART way.

Longer description

POP2HOP the SMART way has been designed by the Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment team (consisting of physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons and achilles tendon rupture patients). We designed this app following constructive feedback from patients who ruptured their Achilles tendon. The app aims to standardise information and advice, encourage self-management, decrease anxiety and hopefully give you a sense of achievement and improve your overall wellbeing following an Achilles rupture.

POP2HOP is designed to accompany you throughout the entire process following the removal of immobilisation (usually 8-12 weeks post rupture), with integrated mentors who encourage you to acquire useful knowledge and engage in exercises and everyday life after your Achilles rupture. 

The app is a free, easily accessible, educational and rehabilitation mobile app for iOS and Android smartphones.  

The app is suitable for you if you have had an acute Achilles rupture which has been managed via the Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment protocol.  It should NOT be commenced until the immobilisation (cast or boot) is removed; the immobilisation period is usually 8-12 weeks. It is not suitable for you if you could not comfortably walk a mile and get on and off the floor with ease just prior to the rupture. We advise that you check with your treating medical clinician before using the app.  

The exercise program is based on the SMART protocol rehabilitation guidance and is divided into 4 stages. You select at the start of the app the level of activity you wish to return to, the content of the app automatically adjusts according to the specific information provided. If you do not wish to return to activities, which involve running, jumping and hopping you will only be taken through stages 1 and 2 otherwise you will be taken through all 4 stages. The exercise programme is a graded loaded program, which is both time locked, and progression locked, so that you cannot move on to the next stage of the app without completion of all exercises. The exercise program is in video and written format.

No personalised data is entered into the app (although you do have the option of entering your name at the start of the app if you wish to, however, you can also skip this). Additional features of the app include a legal statement, a list of all authors and collaborators, a progression page, frequently asked questions section, information on additional fitness activities that are safe to do at each stage, alert reminders, comprehensive video material aimed to educate you and provide information on an Achilles rupture. The app is available in both Welsh and English. There is an option of e-mailing the authors of the app with feedback.

The Bevan Commission Wales have supported the development of POP2HOP. Together our vision is to provide expert knowledge, education and rehabilitation for people who have ruptured their Achilles and make it universally available to all for free.

Has there been any research on the SMART protocol?

Follow this link to an article on The Bone & Joint Journal titled "The treatment of a rupture of the Achilles tendon using a dedicated management programme".

Follow this link to a research article on the Annals of Sports Medicine and Research website titled "Delayed Achilles Tendon Rupture Presentation: Non Operative Management May be The SMART Choice".

Privacy statement

Privacy policy

POP2HOP the SMART way (Swansea Bay University Health Board) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through this Privacy Policy. This policy describes how we collect, use, and share information when you use our app.

1. Information we collect

We do not collect or store personal data. However, we may collect the following types of non-personal information:

• Usage data: Information about how you interact with the app, including app performance, crash reports, and general usage trends.
• Diagnostics: Technical information related to errors, crashes, and app performance to identify and resolve issues.
• Cookies and tracking: We may use cookies or similar technologies to improve your experience.

2. How we use your information

The non-personal information we collect is used to:

• Improve the app’s functionality, reliability, and performance.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues or bugs.
• Analyse usage trends to optimise the user experience.
• Ensure compliance with legal obligations.

3. Sharing your information

We do not sell or share any personal information. Non-personal data may be shared in the following scenarios:

• Service providers: Third-party tools used for analytics, diagnostics, and performance monitoring.
• Legal compliance: Authorities, if required by law or to protect legal rights.

4. Data retention

We retain non-personal information only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy or comply with applicable laws.

5. Your rights

As we do not collect personal data, rights related to accessing, modifying, or deleting personal data do not apply.

6. Security

We take reasonable measures to protect all collected information from unauthorised access or misuse. However, no system is entirely secure.

7. Third-party links

Our app may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

8. Children’s privacy

Our app is not intended for users under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal or identifiable information from children.

9. Changes to this privacy policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted within the app, and we will notify you of significant changes.

This version explicitly includes analytics and diagnostics as part of the non-personal information collected to improve app functionality and reliability.