Projects
Understanding the role of altered tendon properties on tendon strains during recovery from Achilles tendinopathy. KU Leuven
Mechanical and morphological properties are altered in Achilles tendinopathy. The literature on the rehabilitation of tendinopathy suggests that the most important treatment is appropriate loading. There are indications that non-uniform deformation of the Achilles which has been observed in healthy tendons could reduce stresses on the tendon. Exercises need to deliver the appropriate mechanical trigger to stimulate restoring normal tendon ...
Effectiveness of eccentric exercises and stretching on functional performance in patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy Ghent University
The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of specific rehabilitation exercises (eccentric training and stretching) on functional performance in patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy. In a randomized clinical trial, results of the experimental group are compared with a control group (undergoing the classical physiotherapy intervention) with respect to range of motion, strength, pain, function, tendon stiffness and ...
Understanding the role of altered tendon properties on tendon strains during recovery from Achilles tendinopathy. KU Leuven
The GhenTendon project: monitoring of intratendinous pressures in a non-invasive way. Ghent University
The aim of this project is to implement and validate a possibly patentable method for measuring intratendinous pressures non-invasively. In-vivo tests will be benchmarked with the current golden standard that requires needle infiltration in the tendon. Successful validation will provide solid ground for further development of a wearable device.
By using a (minimally)-invasive method, the research partners have clear evidence that ...
Mechanosensing via adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCR) in musculoskeletal disease Ghent University
Inflammatory arthritis and tendinopathy are two distinct classes of musculoskeletal diseases for which treatments are ineffective in many patients. Our lab has postulated that excessive mechanical loading leads to inflammation induced joint and tendon tissue damage in these diseases. We have identified several mechanosensitive targets in joint fibroblasts, including the transcription factor BHLHE40. This indicates that mechanotransduction ...
Unraveling the Regenerative Potential of (Equine) Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Representative in vitro Tendon Injury Model. Ghent University
Equine tendon- and endothelial cells are combined with crosslinkable 3D-printable gelatin hydrogels to establish a representative tendinopathy model after mechanical stimulation. A first screening will be performed to identify metabolites and their pathways involved in tendon (patho-)physiology. Subsequently, the regenerative role of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) versus fibroblast secretome on these metabolites and their pathways will be ...