Research Summary

The Tendon and Ligament Research Team is at the Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus of the University of Delaware. Our mission is to advance the rehabilitation of tendon and ligament injuries and train the next generation of outstanding health science researchers.

We are a multi-disciplinary group of physical therapists, athletic trainers, physicians, biomechanists, and community partners. Our team consists of researchers from across the United States and around the world. We perform research that spans from the basic science to clinical intervention. Our research aims to advance understanding of tendon and ligament injuries and repair/reconstruction so that tailored treatments can be developed in individuals across the life span from sedentary to elite athletes.

Our interdisciplinary research team uses a broad array of methods to evaluate injury and recovery including:

• Ultrasound imaging and continuous shear wave elastography (cSWE) to evaluate tissue structures
• Patient-reported outcome measures to quantify general health, symptom severity, quality of life, and psychological factors
• Lower extremity exercise assessment to measure function, strength, and endurance
• Pain assessment using questionnaires, palpation, and pressure sensitivity testing
• Clinical measurements (anthropometrics and range of motion)
• Gait biomechanics and muscle activity (motion capture, IMUs, EMG)
• Personal factors, including metabolic status (AGE reader measures)
• Physical activity assessment through the use of questionnaires and wearable technology

Treatments we evaluate include various exercise interventions, along with laser (photobiomodulation) and shockwave (radial pressure wave) modalities, physical activity modifications, and benefits of orthotics.