Postdoctoral position - tendon load during Achilles tendinopathy rehabilitation

The Human Movement Biomechanics research group is a multidisciplinary team of reseachers aiming at identifying movement-related biomarkers that help in the stratification of patients or athletes and optimization of treatment and training. To this aim, we use a hybrid approach that supplements experimental measures with computational techniques. We strongly believe in this unique approach since it allows us to highlight mechanistic pathways for treatment and training and leads ultimately to predicting movement and tissue adaptation
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Responsibilities

Within the research line on the relationship between mechanical loading and muscle and tendon adaptations, we want to investigate how and to what extent mechanical loading influences the recovery from Achilles tendon tendinopathy. We specifically want to investigate the role of 3D morphology, material properties and the tensile forces exerted on the Achilles tendon in the recovery process after tendinopathy. To this end, we use ultrasound techniques combined with 3D motion capture and modelling techniques. This research is done in collaboration with Department of Development and Regeneration (Stijn Bogaerts) and the University of Auckland (Dr Vickie Shim). Our research team has developed a workflow that allows non-invasive characterization of tendon properties in terms of its geometry, material properties and non- uniform displacement as well as measuring muscle forces during dynamic movements. This postdoctoral researcher will further build on this work and re-fine and valid the workflow as well as apply it to different populations. 

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Offer

The current fellowship will be offered for one year but can be extended with one year upon positive evaluation and after application for a personal fellowship with the relevant funding bodies. Starting date is negotiable but ideally in or before September 2025.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Benedicte Vanwanseele, tel.: +32 16 32 91 23, mail: [email protected].

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