BioMotion Lab

Introduction

The BioMotion Laboratory at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston (external link) is a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders through the study of human movement.

Directed by Payam Zandiyeh, PhD, the laboratory combines advanced biomechanics, medical imaging, and computational modeling to investigate how bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues function during dynamic, muscle-driven activities. Our mission is to bridge the gap between engineering, imaging, and clinical care to improve patient outcomes and accelerate the development of evidence-based orthopedic treatments.

The laboratory houses a unique collection of integrated technologies that enable comprehensive assessment of human movement across multiple scales. These include high-speed biplanar videoradiography (BVR) for precise measurement of in-vivo bone and joint motion, optical motion capture systems for full-body movement analysis, wireless electromyography (EMG) for neuromuscular assessment, GNRB arthrometers for objective ligament laxity evaluation, Biodex dynamometry for quantifying muscular performance, and Parvo metabolic analysis systems for measuring physiological demands during movement.

Our research focuses on understanding how musculoskeletal injuries and surgical interventions alter movement patterns and joint mechanics. By combining advanced imaging with precise biomechanical measurements, we aim to identify mechanisms underlying injury, evaluate treatment effectiveness, refine rehabilitation strategies, and optimize long-term patient outcomes.

The BioMotion Laboratory supports a broad range of clinical and translational research efforts spanning sports medicine, orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation, injury prevention, joint preservation, and performance science. Through collaboration with physicians, engineers, scientists, and trainees, the laboratory serves as a platform for innovation aimed at improving the lives of patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

BioMotion Lab Team

• 
  Payam Zandiyeh, Ph.D.
  Lab Director
• 
  Alonso Figueroa, MSc
  Sr. Research Engineer
  
• 
  Tomasz Bugajski, Ph.D.
  Research Scientist – Knee & Cervical Spine Biomechanics
• 
  Jason Konrath, Ph.D.
  Research Scientist – Shoulder Biomechanics & Modeling
• 
  Tsung-Yeh Chou, Ph.D.
  Post-doctoral Fellow – Amputee biomechanics & Spina Bifida Repair Biomechanics
• 
  Conor Smith
  Research Engineer
• 
  Sydney Wheaton, M.Sc.
  Research Engineer
• 
  Alexi Hempe, M.Sc.
  Research Engineer
• 
  Amy Barnett
  Research Coordinator

Research Interests

• The impact of surgical treatments on the shoulder biomechanics following Acromioclavicular joint injury.
• The role of biological augmentation on rotator cuff healing and shoulder mechanics post-surgery
• Predictive modeling and kinematic outcomes for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
• In-vivo Biomechanics and Laxity measurements following ACL Reconstruction Surgery
• UTE MRI as a tool to evaluate the ligamentization process
• Understanding the mechanical environment of fracture healing in the human
• Longitudinal changes in cervical spine biomechanics after artificial cervical disc replacement
• Hip and lumbopelvic biomechanics and outcomes after osseointegration in transfemoral amputee patients
• Postural balance and biomechanical assessment in transfemoral amputees
• Long term biomechanical outcome assessment of open repair and postnatal repair spina bifida patients
• Dynamic, in-vivo analysis of the throwing elbow with advanced 3D motion analysis

Publications

1. Konrath J., Wheaton S., Figuroa A., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., Surgical versus non-operative treatment of acromioclavicular joint injuries and their effect on muscle activation during shoulder elevation tasks, PLOS One, 2026 (in press)
2. Chou, TY; Reeves K; Melton D; Doherty D; Zandiyeh, P, Kinetic Asymmetry in Unilateral Transfemoral Amputees: Gait Biomechanics and Reliability Assessments. . Prosthetics and Orthotics International (in press)
3. Chou, TY; Lee, E; Reeves K; Melton D; Doherty D; Zandiyeh, P, The Effect of Ambient Light on Gait Variability and Joint Biomechanics in Individuals with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation. . Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (under review)
4. Chou, TY; Reeves K; Melton D; Doherty D; Zandiyeh, P, Perceived Functional Ability Affects Limb-Specific Movement Strategies During Walking and Tandem Standing Balance in Individuals with Transfemoral Amputation. Gait & Posture (under review)
5. Konrath J., Wheaton S., Figuroa A., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., In vivo assessment of the subacromial space during shoulder elevation following acromioclavicular joint reconstruction, Journal of Biomechanics, 2025 (under review)
6. Bugajski T., Lichti D., Zandiyeh P., Using a Monoplane Videoradiography Configuration to Accurately Measure Skeletal Kinematics: A Proof-of-Concept Study, Medical Engineering & Physics, 2025 (under review)
7. Bugajski, T., Figueroa, A., Gregory, B.P., Lowe, W.R., Zandiyeh, P. (2026). In vivo validation of automated knee arthrometry: What do these measurements really represent? The American Journal of Sports Medicine.(under review)
8. Konrath, J.M., Wheaton, S., Figueroa, A., Gregory, J., & Zandiyeh, P. (2026). Dynamic bone surface proximity and scapuloclavicular kinematics following non-operative treatment of acromioclavicular joint injuries. Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine.
9. Lee, E., Konrath, J.M., Kumaravel, M., Gregory, J., & Zandiyeh, P. (2026). Longitudinal Quantitative UTE-T2* MRI Assessment of Supraspinatus Tendon Remodeling Following Rotator Cuff Repair With and Without Subacromial Bursa Augmentation. Skeletal Radiology
10. Konrath J., Wheaton S., Figuroa A., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., Preliminary In Vivo Evaluation of Coracoclavicular Ligament Mechanics During Shoulder Elevation After Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 2026
11. Chou T., Reeves K., Melton D., Doherty D., Zandiyeh P., Gait Alterations at Self-Selected Walking Speeds with Light On and Off in Individuals with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation, Journal of Biomechanics, 2025
12. Figueroa A., Bugajski T., Humpal D., Zandiyeh P., Autograft’s Quantitative MRI UTE-T2* Correlates with BMI-Normalized Knee Laxity in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2025
13. Chou T., Reeves K., Melton D., Doherty D., Zandiyeh P., The Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change in Gait Outcomes among Individuals with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation: A Generalizability Theory Approach. Journal of Biomechanics, 2025
14. Zandiyeh P., Chou T., Reeves K., Melton D., Doherty D., Kinetic Asymmetry in Unilateral Transfemoral Amputees: Gait Biomechanics and Reliability Assessments. Submitted to Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 2025
15. Murray C., Zandiyeh P., Molino J., Holtgrewe J., Barnes DA., Fleming B., Beveridge J., Muscle activity patterns during a single-leg hop for distance in healthy males and females, Journal of Electromyography and Physiology, 2025
16. Gregory J., Harmon J., Zandiyeh P., Impact of Subacromial Bursa Augmentation on Self-Reported and MRI Outcomes in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial, American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2025
17. Chou T., Reeves K., Melton D., Doherty D., Zandiyeh P., Perceived Functional Ability Affects Limb-Specific Movement Strategies During Walking and Tandem Standing Balance in Individuals with Transfemoral Amputation, Journal of Gait and Posture, 2025 (under review)
18. Zandiyeh P., Figeroa A, Lee EY, Gregory J., Acromioclavicular joint mechanics after surgical reconstruction: A dynamic stereo x-ray imaging, OJSM 2024
19. Zandiyeh P., Melton D, Doherty D, Reeves K, Test-retest reliability and minimum detectable change during gait: unilateral transfemoral amputees produce higher loading and unloading rates to overcome braking and propulsive impulses deficiencies at the amputated limbs, Gait and Posture 2024
20. Beverdige JE, Zandiyeh P., Owens BD, Kiapour AM, Fleming BC, Structure and Function are Not the Same: The Case for Restoring Mechanoreceptor Continuity Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury, Rhode Island Medical Journal, 2024
21. Zandiyeh P., Figueroa LA., Lee E., Gregory JM., Exploring Dynamic Stereo X-ray Imaging as a Promising Method for In-Vivo Acromio-Clavicular Joint Kinematics Assessment: A Preliminary Investigation, OJSM, 2024
22. Li G., Ao D., Vega M.M., Zandiyeh P., Chang J., Penny A.N., Lewis V.O., Fregly B.J., Changes in walking function and neural control following pelvic cancer surgery with reconstruction, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, section Biomechanics, 2024
23. Li, G., Ao D., Vega M.M., Shourijeh M.S., Zandiyeh P., Chang SH, Lewis V.O, et al. “A Computational Method for Estimating Trunk Muscle Activations during Gait Using Lower Extremity Muscle Synergies.” Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 10 (2023).
24. Zhu Y., Babazadeh-Naseri A., Dunbar NJ, Brake MRW, Zandiyeh P., Li G., Leardini A., Spazzoli B., Fregly BJ, Predicted Effect of Boundary and Loading Conditions on Screw Fixation Durability for a Custom-made Pelvic Implant, Medical Engineering & Physics 111 (January 1, 2023): 103930.
25. Zandiyeh P., Parola LR, Fleming BC, Costa MQ, Hague MJ, Molino J, Fleming B., Beveridge JE., Long-term bilateral neuromuscular function and joint arthrosis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials, June 2023
26. Küpper JC, Sinaei N, Westover L, Zandiyeh P., Ronsky JL. Validation of a magnetic resonance imaging-based method to study passive knee laxity: An in-situ study. Med Eng Phys. 2022 Jan;99:103733.
27. Küpper J.C., Zandiyeh P., Ronsky J.L., Empirical joint contact mechanics: A comprehensive review. Proc Inst Mech Eng H. (2022)
28. Zandiyeh P., Parola LR, Fleming BC, Beveridge JE. Wavelet analysis reveals differential lower limb muscle activity patterns long after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Journal of Biomechanics (2022).
29. Tashman S, Zandiyeh P., Irrgang JJ, Musahl V, West RV, Shah N, Fu FH. Anatomic single-and double-bundle ACL reconstruction both restore dynamic knee function… 2021
30. Lacheta L., Zandiyeh P., Bradly A., et al., Superior capsule reconstruction partially restores glenohumeral stability… AM J Sports Med 2021
31. Wilson S., Dahl K., Dunford K., Foody J., Turnbull T., Zandiyeh P., Tashman S. Ski boot canting adjustments… 2020
32. Warth RJ, Zandiyeh P., Rao M, et al., Quantitative assessment of in-vivo human ACL autograft remodeling… Am J Sports Med 2020

Conference Proceedings

1. Lee E., Konrath J., Kumaravel M., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., (2026), Mono- and bi-exponential UTE-T2* longitudinal comparison of rotator cuff repairs augmented with or without autologous subacromial bursa tissue, American Shoulder and Elbow Society
2. Konrath J., Wheaton S., Figueroa L., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., (2026), In Vivo Measurement Of Coracoclavicular Functional Distance During Shoulder Elevation Following Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction, ORS/AOSSM
3. Konrath J., Wheaton S., Figueroa L., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., (2026), Muscle Activation Patterns During Shoulder Elevation Following Acromioclavicular Joint Disruption, Surgical Versus Non-Operative Treatment, ORS/AOSSM
4. Konrath J., Wheaton S., Figueroa L., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., (2026), An Investigation Of The Subacromial Space During Shoulder Elevation Following Surgical Reconstruction Of The Acromioclavicular Joint, ORS/AOSSM
5. Figueroa A., Humpal D., Bugajski T., Kumaravel M., Jacobs M.A., Lowe W., Zandiyeh P., (2025), The Relation between Ultrashort Echo Time (UTE) T2* Imaging in Assessing Knee Laxity: Cohort Study, AAOS
6. Davis A., Bugajski T., Figueroa L.A., Lowe W., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Longitudinal Comparison of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Graft Type on Muscle Strength, AAOS
7. Murray C.J., Molino J., Holtgrewe J.D., Barnes D.A., Zandiyeh P., Fleming B.C., Beveridge J.E., (2025), Muscle Activity Patterns During a Single-Leg Hop Landing in Healthy Males and Females, ORS
8. Smith C., Bugajski T., Figueroa A., Warner S., Kellam J., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Accuracy and Precision of Biplanar Videoradiography to Quantify Tibial Fracture Motion After Fixation Surger, ORS
9. Davis A., Bugajski T., Figueroa A., Lowe W., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Bone-tendon-bone Yields Improved Quadriceps Strength Deficits during Knee Extension Compared to Quadriceps Tendon after ACL Reconstruction: A Preliminary Study, ORS
10. Lee E.Y., Bugajski T., Figueroa L.A., Kumaravel M., Jacobs M.A., Lowe W.R., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Assessing the Intra- and Inter-Rater Reliability of Mono- and Bi-Exponential T2* for ACL Grafts, ORS
11. Figueroa L.A., Bugajski T., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Evaluating Implant Positioning Accuracy in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Using 3D Templating and Dynamic Biplane Video Radiography, ORS
12. Figueroa L.A., Bugajski T., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Does Pre-operative Planning Software Predict the Post-operative Ranges of Motion in the Glenohumeral Joint after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Biplanar Video Radiography Study, ORS
13. Gregory J.M., Mays M., Harmon J., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Impact of Subacromial Bursa Augmentation on Self-Reported and MRI Outcomes in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective, Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial, AOSSM
14. Figueroa L.A., Bugajski T., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Pre-Operative Planning Software Doesn’t Predict Post-Operative Glenohumeral Range of Motion after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Biplanar Video Radiography Study, ISAKOS
15. Figueroa L.A., Bugajski T., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Evaluating Implant Positioning Accuracy in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Using 3D Templating and Dynamic Biplane Video Radiography, ISAKOS
16. Chou T., Lee E., Reeves K., Melton D., Doherty D., Zandiyeh P., (2025), The relationship between balance confidence and gait outcomes in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation, SCASB
17. Bugajski T., Figueroa A., Lowe W., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Biological augmentation in ACL reconstruction: Preliminary analysis of graft maturation and quadriceps strength, SCASB
18. Chou T., Lee E., Reeves K., Melton D., Doherty D., Zandiyeh P., (2025), The Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of Kinetic Outcomes During Self-selected Gait Speed in Individuals with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation: A Generalizability Theory Approach, MHSRS
19. Chou T., Lee E., Reeves K., Melton D., Doherty D., Zandiyeh P., (2025), The Effect of Ambient Light on Gait and Sagittal Trunk Movement Variability in Individuals with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation, MHSRS
20. Chou T., Lee E., Reeves K., Melton D., Doherty D., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Individuals with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation Rely More on Hip Compensation When Walking in Low Ambient Light Environment, MHSRS
21. Chou T., Lee E., Reeves K., Melton D., Doherty D., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Self-Perceived Balance Ability is Related to Balance Control during Gait in Individuals with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation, MHSRS
22. Lee E., Chou T., Reeves K., Melton D., Doherty D., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Assessing the Reliability and Minimum Detectable Change of Functional Outcomes in Unilateral Transfemoral Amputees Using Generalizability Theory, MHSRS
23. Lee E., Chou T., Reeves K., Melton D., Doherty D., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Using Generalizability Theory to Assess the Reliability and Minimum Detectable Change of Gait Spatiotemporal Outcomes in Unilateral Transfemoral Amputees, MHSRS
24. Stovicek K., King S., Chase E., Fleck J., Zandiyeh P. and O’Malley M., (2025), Walking does not diminish localizability of vibrotactile feedback on the waist, World Haptics Conference
25. Konrath J., Wheaton S., Figueroa L.A., Gregory J., Zandiyeh P., (2025), Coracoclavicular Functional Distance During Shoulder Elevation Movements In Reconstructed Acromioclavicular Joints Versus Non-Operative Treatment, ORS/AOSSM
26. Pandiri Sh., Chou T., Figueroa L., Papanna R., Zandiyeh P., Mann L., (2025), Machine Learning-Based Biomechanical Gait Analysis for Classifying Gait Scores in a Spina Bifida Sheep Model: A Preliminary Study, IFMSS Conference
27. O’Neill K., Figueroa L.A., O’Malley M., Melton D., Doherty D., Zandiyeh P., (2024), Improving Functional Performance in Transfemoral Amputees through Somatosensory Augmentation, Inaugural Orthopedic Research Forum
28. Murry C.J., Molino J., Holtgrewe J.D., Barnes D.A., Zandiyeh P., Fleming B.C., Beveridge J.E., (2024), Muscle Activity Patterns During a Single-Leg Hop Landing in Healthy Males and Females, Lifespan Research Day
29. Bugajski T., Figeuroa A., Lowe W., Zandiyeh P., (2024), Comparative Analysis of BTB and QT Autografts: Preliminary Results on Post-ACLR Strength and Laxity, ORS
30. Zandiyeh P., Figueroa L.A., Denney B.S., Gregory J.M., (2023), What does the Healthy Acromioclavicular Joint Kinematics Look Like during Muscle-Driven Activities? A Dynamic Biplane Video Radiographic Study, AOSSM
31. Zandiyeh P., Figueroa L.A., Lee E.Y., Denney B.S., Gregory J.M., (2023), Kinematic abnormalities in the shoulder girdle after conservative or surgical treatment of the high-grade acromioclavicular joint disruption, AOSSM
32. Graham L., Kumaravel M., Lowe W., Zandiyeh P., (2023), Critical findings about tibiofemoral cartilage changes in the first year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using advanced T2* MRI, SRP
33. Graham L., Figueroa L.A., Kumaravel M., Narayana P., Jacobs M.A., Lowe W.R., Zandiyeh P., (2023), Tibiofemoral cartilage changes in the first year following ACL reconstruction using advanced T2* MRI, ORS
34. Humpal D., Smith C., Figueroa L.A., O’Neil K.G., Lee E.Y., Kumaravel M., Narayana P., Jacobs M.A., Walter R. Lowe, Zandiyeh P., (2023), Does ultrashort echo-time MR imaging provides similar information as laxity measurement in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients?, ACSM
35. Figueroa L.A., Hampton D., Smith C., O’Neil K.G., Lee E.Y., Kumaravel M., Narayana P., Jacobs M.A., Walter R. Lowe, Zandiyeh P., (2023), Ultra short echo MRI of anterior cruciate ligament: Relationship between mono-exponential and bi-exponential decay coefficients, ACSM
36. Ouattas A., Melton D.H., O’Malley M., Reeves K.E., Doherty D.B., Figueroa L.A., Lee E.Y., Zandiyeh P., (2023), Interlimb load asymmetry and minimal detectable change in unilateral transfemoral amputees during sit to stand activity, MHSRS
37. Zandiyeh P., Melton D.H., O’Malley M., Reeves K.E., Doherty D.B., Figueroa L.A., (2023), Biomechanical deficits and minimal detectable change during gait in unilateral transfemoral amputees, MHSRS
38. Zandiyeh P., Melton D.H., O’Malley M., Reeves K.E., Doherty D.B., Figueroa L.A., (2023), COP asymmetry and static balance deficits in unilateral transfemoral amputees, SCAB
39. Fleck J.J., King S.T., Bolton B.R., Hoshida A., Zandiyeh P., O’Malley M.K., (2023), Vibrotactile sensory substitution to convey foot pressure for transfemoral prosthesis users, IEEE WIC and IEEE-WHC
40. Zandiyeh P., Parola L.R., Fleming B.C., Beveridge J.E., (2021), Muscle activation patterns are chronically altered after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, ORS
41. Warth R.J., Zandiyeh P., Kutzler M., Purtle B., Alford T., Wayne C.D., McDermott J.D., Taher A., Tashman S., Narayana P.A., Gabr R.E., Kumaravel M., Lowe W.R., Harner C.D., (2019), ACL Graft Remodeling Revealed by Serial UTE-T2* MRI, Radiological Society of North America 2019 Annual Meeting
42. Zandiyeh P., Warth R., Narayana P., Gabr R., Kumaravel M., Lowe W., Harner C., Tashman S., (2019), UTE T2* MRI shows evidence of tissue remodeling in ACL Graft Between 1 and 9 months after surgery, ISB/ASB
43. Tashman S., Zandiyeh P., Warth R.J., McDermott J.D., Narayan P., Gabr R., Kumaravel M., Lowe W., Harner C., (2018), ACL Graft remodeling revealed by serial UTE T2* MRI, ORS
44. Warth R.J., Kerl C., Hall M., Moody D., Bach J.P., Zandiyeh P., Tashman S., Gregory J.M., (2018), Reliability of UTE-T2* MRI mapping of the supraspinatus tendon, ORS