Rheumatoid arthritis is a predominant cause of disability in older people and afflicts about 600,000 in the UK. Amongst other problems, rheumatoid arthritis causes changes in the structure of tendons (which attach muscle to bone) where there is disruption to the arrangement of fibres composed of a protein called collagen. These changes are thought to influence the mechanical properties of the tendon, which affects the efficient functioning of joints. Miss Deakin aims to define the mechanical properties of rheumatoid tendon and to examine possible relationships between collagen structure, mechanical properties and disease duration. Better understanding of the effects of rheumatoid arthritis on tendon properties will improve evaluation of many surgical procedures used to restore function and relieve pain.