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Structure and Function of Aging Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia In-vivo

Award Number: F31AG057136
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/07/2018
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/03/2019

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Structure and Function of Aging Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia In-vivo - Project Summary/Abstract It is well established that older adults use their ankles less than young adults to propel themselves forward during walking, which has functional consequences like slower preferred walking speed; but the mechanism behind this phenomenon is still not fully understood. In this proposal, the morphology of the Achilles tendon (AT) and plantar fascia (PF) will be investigated as a possible mechanism behind the age-related decline in foot and ankle function. The AT and the PF are anatomically continuous with one another in the very young, potentially allowing for energy transfer across the foot and ankle and aiding in appropriate use of the foot and ankle. However, the AT-PF continuity degrades with age as periosteum formation separates the two at the calcaneus. This age-related degradation of the AT-PF continuity may be a contributing factor in the age-related decline in foot and ankle functioning. The proposed work aims to identify how the AT-PF connection changes across the lifespan, and to use inclined walking as an experimental model and aging as an observational model to determine the role of the AT-PF continuity in foot and ankle biomechanics. The level of AT-PF continuity will be quantified in-vivo with ultrasound. Lower extremity biomechanics will be calculated using a 3D motion capture system and force plates embedded in a treadmill capable of inclining. The AT-PF continuity will then be measured across the adult age span (Aim 1), and we will determine how the AT-PF connectivity affects foot and ankle mechanics during level and incline walking (Aims 2a and 2b). It is hypothesized that the AT-PF continuity will degrade with age, and a degraded AT-PF connectivity will be related to a reduction in ankle moment and power generated during level and inclined walking. The long-term goals of this project are to help understand the mechanisms behind the age-related decline in foot and ankle function and provide a basis for helping the elderly maintain healthy gait biomechanics.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = -$1,601 )
2021	2018	UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA	6001 DODGE ST EAB 209	OMAHA	NE	68182	DOUGLAS	USA	Aging Research	002	1	1/12/2021	NEW	$1,601
2021	2018	UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA	6001 DODGE ST EAB 209	OMAHA	NE	68182	DOUGLAS	USA	Aging Research	001	1	1/5/2021	NEW	-$1,601
2021	2018	UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA	6001 DODGE ST EAB 209	OMAHA	NE	68182	DOUGLAS	USA	Aging Research	000	1	1/4/2021	NEW	-$1,601
														Subtotal = -$1,601

Issue Date FY: 2019 ( Subtotal = -$8,312 )
2019	2018	UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA	6001 DODGE ST EAB 209	OMAHA	NE	68182	DOUGLAS	USA	Aging Research	000	1	4/27/2019	NEW	-$8,312
														Subtotal = -$8,312

Issue Date FY: 2018 ( Subtotal = $33,432 )
2018	2018	UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA	6001 DODGE ST EAB 209	OMAHA	NE	68182	DOUGLAS	USA	Aging Research	000	1	9/1/2018	NEW	$33,432
2018	2018	UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA	6001 DODGE ST EAB 209	OMAHA	NE	68182	DOUGLAS	USA	Aging Research	001	1	9/1/2018	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $33,432

Grand Total All Awards = $23,519

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Structure and Function of Aging Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia In-vivo

Award Number: F31AG057136

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/07/2018

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/03/2019

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