Understanding ankle stiffness in children with muscular dystrophy
Official title: Ankle contractures in muscular dystrophy: mechanisms and tissue adaptations
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10815191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects the flexibility of children's ankles and aims to find better ways to help them move comfortably and improve their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $305,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD111034-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10815191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscular dystrophy who are not ambulatory or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects ankle flexibility in children. It aims to identify the mechanisms behind the development of ankle contractures, which limit movement and comfort. By studying the changes in muscles and tendons, the research seeks to improve current treatment methods for maintaining ankle range of motion. The findings could help enhance rehabilitation strategies for children with DMD, ultimately aiming to improve their daily functioning and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for preventing ankle stiffness in children with muscular dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of muscle and joint adaptations can lead to improved treatment strategies, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barnard, Alison M — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Barnard, Alison M
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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.