K.P. (Kristel) van Abswoude

I have completed my Master's degree in Medicine at the University of Amsterdam and am currently working as a physician-researcher and PhD candidate at Erasmus MC within the ASPIRE-trial. My research focuses on the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided peritendinous corticosteroid injections for patients with chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.
Throughout my medical training, I developed a strong interest in sports medicine and orthopedics, driven by a passion for exercise, injury prevention, and improving the care of physically active individuals. During my studies, I further explored these fields through electives, a minor in Human Movement Science, clinical internships, and research projects.

My research experience includes investigating the effects of BCAA-supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage during my Bachelor's thesis and contributing to the FENDURA research project, which examined the influence of different menstrual cycle phases on cycling efficiency. In addition, I completed a senior clinical internship in sports medicine at Alrijne Hospital, where I gained experience in diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries and developed further knowledge and skills in cardiopulmonary exercise testing and exercise physiology.

I am currently advancing my research career as a PhD candidate in the ASPIRE-trial, which investigates the effect of peritendinous corticosteroid injections in mid-portion achilles tendinopathy, a condition I have frequently encountered during my clinical internships. The frequently long-lasting nature of achilles tendinopathy, along with the sense of helplessness it can create for both patients and clinicians, motivates me to explore its treatment further. I am honored to contribute to a better understanding of the treatment of chronic achilles tendinopathy and the potential benefits and drawbacks of corticosteroid injections as a treatment option. This PhD project is a valuable opportunity to integrate my clinical experience with scientific research.

ASPIRE project