Tendinopathy Research
The tendon team is led by Professor Jill Cook. Along with Dr Sean Docking and Dr Ebonie Rio, the team runs many research projects that span understanding the development of pathology, imaging, pain and the brain as well as exercise-based interventions. The team received one of only five NBA-GE funded research grants for tendinopathy. They have many PhD students as part of their team and their projects areas include: De Quervains, the hamstring and Achilles tendons as well as discriminating elbow and patellar tendon pain conditions from other clinical conditions.
JUMP-SHOT study
Pathology within the patellar tendon is one of the strongest known risk factors for the development of patellar tendinopathy. A recent systematic review suggested that pathology may develop during adolescence. JUMP-SHOT is a three-year prospective study of 150 adolescent athletes, to provide estimates of the prevalence and incidence of patellar tendon pathology and pain.
For more information, visit JUMP-SHOT study blog page.
Achilles and patellar tendinopathy have a significant impact on players’ participation, health, and performance. This industry-funded study of 477 athletes found that the prevalence of tendinopathy had been under-reported in Australian Football League players.
For more information, visit Tendinopathy in AFL blog page.
Prevention Of Symptoms in Tendinopathy and Understanding Pathology
Patellar tendinopathy (often called jumper’s knee) is a clinical diagnosis of pain and dysfunction in the patellar tendon. The patellar tendon attaches the bottom of the knee cap to the top of the shin bone and acts like a spring when you jump. Many basketball players have ‘jumper’s knee’ and it affects their ability to train and perform, as well as decreasing their ability to jump and change direction.
For more information, visit Patellar tendinopathy blog page.
Where is the source of pain in tendinopathy?
There is a poor understanding of the source of pain in tendinopathy. Emerging research has shown the importance of cellular mechanisms in this condition. This study aims to explore the cellular mechanisms of tendons. Samples of tendon tissue will be taken from ligament reconstruction surgeries / tendon surgeries and analysed to determine possible mechanisms of pain in tendinopathy.
For more information, visit blog page about Source Pain Tendinopathy.
