How tendon loading affects healing in Achilles injuries

Tendon loading profiles that promote healing in Achilles tendinopathy

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-10986967

This study is looking at how different ways of using your Achilles tendon can help it heal better if you have Achilles tendinopathy, and it aims to create personalized rehab plans to improve your recovery based on how your tendon behaves during daily activities.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10986967 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how different loading profiles of the Achilles tendon can influence healing in patients suffering from mid-substance Achilles tendinopathy. By continuously monitoring tendon loading during rehabilitation and daily activities, the study aims to identify patient subgroups based on their biomechanics. The goal is to develop personalized rehabilitation protocols that enhance recovery from both acute and chronic Achilles tendon injuries. Innovative techniques, including ultrasound stress-imaging, will be utilized to assess tendon status and its impact on pain and functional outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mid-substance Achilles tendinopathy, particularly those who have not fully recovered from their symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with acute Achilles tendon injuries or those who do not have mid-substance tendinopathy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective rehabilitation strategies that significantly improve recovery and reduce pain for patients with Achilles tendinopathy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using biomechanical approaches to improve rehabilitation outcomes for tendon injuries, indicating that this study builds on established methods.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.