Improving healing in damaged tendons through exercise and therapy

Promoting a reparative instead of a degenerative outcome from loading of fatigue-damaged tendons

NIH-funded research Cornell University · NIH-10872731

This study is looking at how different types of exercise can help or hurt healing in damaged tendons, using rats to learn more about what works best, so we can find ways to make everyday activities better for people with tendon issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCornell University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ithaca, United States)
Project IDNIH-10872731 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to promote healing in tendons that have suffered fatigue damage, using a rat model to understand the mechanisms behind tendinopathy. The team has discovered that certain types of exercise can either help repair or worsen tendon damage, depending on when they are initiated after injury. By studying the effects of glycosaminoglycans and specific cell responses, the researchers aim to develop therapeutic strategies that can turn everyday activities into healing opportunities for tendons.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals suffering from tendon injuries or tendinopathies.

Not a fit: Patients with acute tendon ruptures or those who do not have tendon injuries may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance tendon healing and improve recovery from injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using exercise as a therapeutic approach for tendon injuries, suggesting potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Ithaca, 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.