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.