Understanding muscle changes after a rotator cuff tear
Official title: Biomechanics of muscle after rotator cuff tear: Multi-scale assessment of spatial and temporal effects
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10986994 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how rotator cuff tears change the muscles over time using rabbits, with the hope of finding better ways to treat people with similar injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | February 2, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $474,887 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR079999-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986994 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing rotator cuff tears or related muscle dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with rotator cuff injuries who are not candidates for surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how rotator cuff tears affect muscle structure and function over time. By studying a rabbit model, the team will assess changes in muscle morphology, architecture, and mechanics following a rotator cuff injury and subsequent surgical repair. The goal is to develop a predictive model that identifies the mechanisms behind these changes, which could inform future treatment strategies for patients. This approach combines experimental assessments with computational modeling to gain insights into muscle behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that enhance recovery and functional outcomes for patients with rotator cuff tears.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on rotator cuff injuries, this specific multi-scale biomechanical approach is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vidt, Meghan Elise — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Vidt, Meghan Elise
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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.