Understanding the mechanics behind Achilles tendon pain
Official title: Defining neuromechanical mechanisms of Achilles tendinopathy
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10897990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different movements and muscle activities affect healing and pain in people with Achilles tendinopathy, so we can find better ways to help you recover and feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $341,894 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081062-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897990 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain from mid-substance Achilles tendinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute Achilles injuries or those who do not have a diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the underlying neuromechanical factors contributing to Achilles tendinopathy, a painful condition affecting the tendon. By using advanced techniques like High-Density surface ElectroMyoGraphy (HDsEMG), the study aims to analyze how different movements and muscle contributions impact tendon healing and pain levels. Patients will undergo specific tests to assess their tendon loading and biomechanics during various activities, helping to identify personalized rehabilitation strategies. The goal is to improve treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from this chronic condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, tailored rehabilitation protocols for patients with Achilles tendinopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomechanical assessments to improve treatment outcomes for tendon injuries, indicating that this approach could be beneficial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baxter, Josh — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Baxter, Josh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Personalized Achilles tendon rehab: how loading in daily life affects healing
A person with mid-substance Achilles tendinopathy could benefit from a personalized rehab plan based on how their daily activities load the tendon.
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Achilles Tendinopathy Center of Translation
A center-led program aims to uncover basic science and translational tools to improve care for people with Achilles tendinopathy.
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Understanding the muscle-subtendon units in Achilles tendinopathy
This project explores why Achilles tendinopathy affects people differently by looking closely at the ankle’s tendon structure and how it responds to treatments.
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Exosome-based biologic treatment for tendinopathy
A new exosome-based therapy called Altenex aims to treat tendinopathy safely and effectively in adults.
-
Quantifying Achilles Tendon Stress in Dancers to Prevent Tendinopathy
Aimed at female ballet dancers, this project will measure Achilles tendon stress during dance and develop better tools to monitor pain and guide injury prevention and recovery.
-
Role of CaV1.2 calcium channels in Achilles tendinopathy
This grant explores how a calcium channel called CaV1.2 may drive tendinopathy in the Achilles tendon and what this could mean for new treatments.
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.