How early exercise affects tendon health as we age

Early life exercise effects on tendon maturation and resistance to late life tendinopathies

NIH-funded research California State Univ San Bernardino · NIH-11056899

This study is looking at how exercising when you're young can help keep your tendons healthy as you get older, and it’s for anyone interested in staying active and preventing tendon injuries later in life.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCalifornia State Univ San Bernardino NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Bernardino, United States)
Project IDNIH-11056899 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of exercise during early life on the development and health of tendons later in life. It aims to understand how early physical activity influences tendon structure and function, potentially reducing the risk of tendon injuries and conditions associated with aging. By examining the differences in tendon responses to exercise in young versus mature individuals, the study seeks to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better tendon health in older adults. Participants will engage in a 10-week exercise program designed to assess these effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have engaged in physical activity during their early years and are now in their late adulthood.

Not a fit: Patients who have not participated in any form of exercise during their early life may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that enhance tendon resilience and reduce the risk of injuries in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that early life exercise can positively influence various aspects of physical health, suggesting potential success for this approach in tendon health.

Where this research is happening

San Bernardino, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.