Table 2.

Blinding of each researcher during trial.

Researcher	Role	Blinding status
RP1	Recruitment, assessment, randomisation and treatment	Unblinded
BA	All baseline and follow-up recording of function, pain, swelling and activity levels (outcome measures i, ii, iii, iv)	Blinded to group allocation
RP2	US images (outcome measure v)	Blinded to group allocation
IR	Interpretation of US images (outcome measure v)	Blinded to group allocation

RP = Research Physiotherapist. BA = Blinded Assessor. US = Ultrasound. IR = Independent Researcher.