Performance, Locomotion, and Injury Science Lab Director Corey Grozier

Overview

The Performance, Locomotion, and Injury Science (PLAINS) Lab investigates how musculoskeletal injury, inflammation, and movement interact to influence recovery and long-term joint health. Our research integrates biomechanics, musculoskeletal imaging, and patient-reported outcomes to better understand the mechanisms contributing to persistent dysfunction and the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis following lower-extremity injury.

A major emphasis of the lab is translating laboratory-based assessments into clinically accessible approaches that can be used to identify individuals at risk for poor recovery and guide targeted rehabilitation strategies.

Lab Focus

The PLAINS Lab primarily focuses on lower-extremity biomechanics and joint health following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction. We examine how changes in knee inflammation, muscle function, movement mechanics, and joint structure interact during recovery and how these factors may contribute to long-term joint health.

Our work also extends to physically active and athletic populations to better understand how repetitive loading, previous injury, and movement characteristics influence musculoskeletal health and performance.

Current Research Themes

Post-ACL Reconstruction Recovery

Characterizing structural, biomechanical, and patient-reported indicators of recovery following ACL reconstruction, with particular emphasis on identifying individuals at risk for persistent dysfunction and early osteoarthritis.

Knee Inflammation and Joint Health

Investigating effusion-synovitis and other indicators of knee inflammation and their relationships with muscle function, movement mechanics, symptoms, and long-term joint health.

Lower-Extremity Biomechanics

Quantifying gait, limb loading, movement asymmetries, and neuromuscular function to identify potentially modifiable movement strategies following lower-extremity injury.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Using ultrasound-based assessment of cartilage, meniscal extrusion, synovitis, muscle, tendon, and other joint structures as accessible markers of musculoskeletal health.

Wearable and Translational Biomechanics

Evaluating wearable technologies and portable assessment methods that allow movement and loading to be quantified beyond traditional laboratory environments.

Long-Term Research Direction

The long-term goal of the PLAINS Lab is to develop clinically translatable approaches for identifying individuals at elevated risk for poor recovery and post-traumatic osteoarthritis following knee injury. By integrating imaging, biomechanics, muscle function, and patient-reported outcomes, our work seeks to improve early risk stratification and inform individualized rehabilitation strategies designed to maintain physical function and long-term joint health.

Lab Development

The PLAINS Lab is currently being established within the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas Tech University. The laboratory will support interdisciplinary research integrating human movement analysis, musculoskeletal imaging, strength assessment, and clinically relevant measures of lower-extremity function.

Research opportunities will include collaborative projects involving undergraduate and graduate students, faculty investigators, clinicians, and community partners interested in musculoskeletal injury, biomechanics, rehabilitation, and joint health.