Achilles tendon tissue resource to improve tendon healing
Research Core
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11252806
This project collects human and rat Achilles tendon samples to learn how mechanical loading affects tendon cells and to help people with Achilles tendinopathy recover better.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11252806 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my point of view as a patient, this program gathers tendon tissue from people with healthy to degenerated Achilles tendons and from laboratory rats to study how cells respond over time. Researchers combine tissue samples with repeated tests and animal experiments to see how different kinds of mechanical loading change cell behavior and tissue repair. The core acts as a central resource that provides these patient-relevant samples and longitudinal data to multiple research teams at Penn. The aim is to turn those findings into clearer physical therapy approaches that reduce pain and the need for surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with symptomatic Achilles tendinopathy, including those receiving conservative care or undergoing surgery, would be ideal candidates to contribute samples or take part in related follow-up testing.
Not a fit: People without Achilles tendon problems or those who cannot provide tissue samples or attend visits at the study site are unlikely to benefit directly from this core.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better, more targeted physical therapy plans that reduce long-term pain and lower the chance of needing surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show mechanical loading can help tendon healing but long-term symptom relief is often limited, so this effort builds on existing science while aiming to better connect cell-level mechanisms to patient care.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BAXTER, JOSH — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: BAXTER, JOSH
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.