Quantifying Achilles Tendon Stress in Dancers to Prevent Tendinopathy

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

The study focuses on elite female ballet dancers at BYU to measure Achilles tendon stress in real-time during pointe work. Researchers will use novel monitoring techniques and surveys to capture how movements affect tendon load and pain, aiming to create practical prevention and rehabilitation strategies. The team will recruit participants who are currently dancing en pointe and exclude male dancers and those who are pregnant or lactating. Findings could help clinicians, teachers, and athletes tailor training and rehabilitation programs to reduce injury risk. The long-term goal is to build a scientific basis for safer, more effective dance training and injury management.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Brigham Young University
  Provo, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Dillon, Christopher R — Brigham Young University
• Study coordinator: Dillon, Christopher R

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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.