How obesity affects the healing of Achilles tendons
Official title: Effect of obesity on Achilles tendon homeostasis and healing: Disentangling mechanical load and metabolic syndrome
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10978674 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being overweight affects the healing of the Achilles tendon, hoping to find better ways to help people with tendon injuries recover and feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $126,164 |
| NIH project number | 1K01AR083496-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978674 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are obese and experiencing Achilles tendon issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or those who do not have Achilles tendon injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of obesity on the healing and maintenance of the Achilles tendon. It aims to understand how mechanical load and metabolic factors associated with obesity influence tendon health. The study will utilize both human tissue assessments and animal models to explore these relationships, providing insights that could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with tendon injuries. Patients may benefit from findings that enhance rehabilitation approaches tailored to their specific conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment options for patients with tendon injuries related to obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tendon healing in relation to obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zellers, Jennifer — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Zellers, Jennifer
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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.