Understanding the muscle-subtendon units in Achilles tendinopathy
Official title: Importance of muscle-subtendon units in Achilles tendinopathy
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11399785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores why Achilles tendinopathy affects people differently by looking closely at the ankle’s tendon structure and how it responds to treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $613,372 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR085639-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Achilles tendinopathy who are undergoing evaluation or treatment and are willing to participate in imaging and biomechanical assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose condition is unrelated to subtendon structure or who are unable to undergo advanced imaging or longitudinal follow-up may derive limited or no direct benefit.
What this research studies
If you have Achilles tendinopathy, this research will look at how the three subtendons within the Achilles tendon relate to the three calf muscles. Using advanced imaging and new measurement tools, researchers will study how these muscle-subtendon units move and interact in people with the condition. The goal is to develop personalized diagnostic and treatment approaches based on the specific structure of your subtendons. A three-stage plan will build out from detailed anatomy to practical strategies that doctors could use to tailor therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more personalized treatments that target your unique subtendon structure, potentially improving recovery and function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that tendon structure can influence treatment response, but this project is exploring a more detailed subtendon-specific approach which is ongoing and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cone, Stephanie Grace — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Cone, Stephanie Grace
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Patient-specific factors that influence recovery from rotator cuff tendinopathy
Aims to understand why some people recover better from shoulder tendon problems than others and how to tailor resistance exercise to each person.
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.