Welcome to Georgia Southern University’s Biodynamics and Human Performance Center. Whether you are a prospective student, academic faculty member, member of the medical community or a commercial business/vendor who has an interest in studying and evaluating all aspects of human movement across the lifespan, we invite you to contact us and become involved with our Center.
The Biodynamics and Human Performance Center is dedicated first and foremost to providing high quality education, research and service activities related to the study of human movement. As Southeast Georgia’s only multi-disciplinary center dedicated to the quantitative assessment of human movement and performance, we contribute to the body of evidence supporting human movement and performance evaluation, training and restoration of function following injury and disease.
The Biodynamics and Human Performance Center is committed to supporting the education, research and public service mission of Georgia Southern University and facilitating external partnerships to enhance experiential learning experiences and research opportunities for students and faculty by studying and evaluating all aspects of human movement to improve the health, fitness, and performance of all persons across the lifespan.
Meet Our Team
Center Faculty
Bryan Riemann, Ph.D. Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Director
Andrew Flatt, Ph.D. Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Sports Medicine Graduate Program Director
Dr. George Davies Department of Clinical Sciences Assistant Director
Graduate Assistants
Matthew Helms
James Brown
Kasey Murphy
Anne Claire Blalock
Affiliated Faculty
Tom Murphy, Ph.D., Engineering Department
Laboratory Video Gallery
Biomechanical Laboratory
Muscle Performance Laboratory
Exercise Physiology Laboratory
Professional Publications, Projects and Presentations
Professional Publications: Student as Lead Author/Faculty as Secondary Author(s)
2024
None Reported
2023
None Reported
2022
Culver, M.N., McMillan, N.K., Cross, B.L., Robinson, A.T., Montoye, A.H.K., Riemann, B.L., Flatt, A.A., Grosicki, G.J. Sleep duration irregularity is associated with elevated blood pressure in young adults. Chronobiology International, 2022. DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2022.2101373
2021
Bahensky P, Grosicki GJ. Superior adaptations in adolescent runners using heart rate variability (HRV)-guided training at altitude. Biosensors, 2021. PMID: 33799558
Blumenburg WT, Frederick JM, Cross BL, Culver MN, McMillan NK, Montoye AHK, Flatt AA, Grosicki GJ. Physical fitness, but not physical activity, is associated with mental health in apparently healthy young adults. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 2021. PMID: 34931785
Christiani M, Grosicki GJ, Flatt AA. Cardiac-autonomic and hemodynamic responses to a hypertonic, sugar-sweetened sports beverage in physically active men. Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, 2021. PMID: 33761293
Collins, B., Watson, M., Davies, G.J., Riemann, B.L. Relationship Between Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test and Isokinetic Shoulder Flexion and Elbow Extension Work. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care, 2021, 13(6) 1-6. DOI: 10.3928/19425864-20210401-03
Collins, B., Watson, M., Davies, G.J., Riemann, B.L. Relationship Between Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test and Isokinetic Shoulder Flexion and Elbow Extension Work. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care, 2021, 13(6) 1-6. DOI: 10.3928/19425864-20210401-03
Fernandez A, Wimer G, Culver MN, Flatt AA, Grosicki GJ. Fan cooling improves submaximal exercise capacity in an indoor thermoneutral environment. Research Quarterly, 2021. PMID: Pending 34054576
Langan, S.P., Murphy, T., Johnson, W.M., Riemann, B.L. The influence of active hamstring stiffness on markers of isotonic muscle performance. Sports, 2021; 9(5);70. DOI: 10.3390/sports9050070
Mackey, E.R., Riemann, B.L. Biomechanical differences between the Bulgarian split-squat and back squat. International Journal of Exercise Science, 2021;14(1), 533-543
Negrete, R, Simms, S, Gross, J, Zeini, I, Hixon, M, Rabello, LN, Jenkins, W, Davies, GJ. The Test-Retest Reliability of a Novel Single Leg Hop Test. IJSPT. June, 2021
Watson MD, Cross BL, Grosicki GJ. Evidence for the contribution of gut microbiota to age-related anabolic resistance. Nutrients, 2021. PMID: 33672207
Watson, M., Collins, B., Davies, G.J., Riemann, B.L. The influence of hip flexion and isokinetic velocity upon hamstrings-quadriceps strength rations in healthy females. Research Quarterly in Exercise and Sport, 2021, In Press. DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2021.1908508
Wilkerson M, Anderson C, Grosicki GJ, Flatt AA. Perceived pain responses to foam rolling associate with basal heart rate variability. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 2021. PMID: 34079600
2020
Ammar, A., Riemann, B.L., Hoekelmann, A. Effect of 3min vs. 2min inter-maximal repetition rest period on performance, RPE, technique proficiency and power development during maximal clean movement. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020;34(4), 2548-2558. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002785
Cross B, Parker D, Langan SP, Grosicki GJ. Effect of a commercially available low-dose capsaicin supplement on knee extensor contractile function. International Journal of Exercise Science, 2020. PMID: 32148619.
Culver MN, Langan SP, Carreker J, Flatt AA, Ratchford SM, Grosicki GJ. Self-reported sleep quality is associated with central hemodynamics in healthy individuals. Sleep and Breathing, 2020. PMID: 32328930.
Erikson, K., Grosicki, G., Mercardo, M., Riemann, B.L. Bone mineral density and muscle mass in masters Olympic weightlifters and runners. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2020;28(5):749-755. DOI: 10.1123/japa.2019-0426
Langan SP, Grosicki GJ. Commercially available capsaicin supplement fails to enhance time-to-exhaustion during cycling. International Journal of Exercise Science, 2020. PMID: 32148618
Piersol, K., Riemann, B.L. Effect of unweighting assistance on sit-to-stand mechanics in older adults. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 2020, 38(4):370-384. DOI: 10.1080/02703181.2020.1762825
Piersol, K., Riemann, B.L. Effect of unweighting assistance on sit-to-stand mechanics in older adults. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 2020, 38(4):370-384. DOI: 10.1080/02703181.2020.1762825
Welch, E, Watson, M., Davies, G.J., Riemann, B.L. Biomechanical Analysis of the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test in Healthy Young Adults. Physical Therapy in Sport, 2020;45: 120-1252. DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.06.010
Professional Publications: Faculty as Lead Author/ Student(s) as Secondary Author(s)
2024
None Reported
2023
None Reported
2022
Davies, G.J., Riemann, B.L. Relationships between the seated single arm shot put test and Quick-DASH in patients being discharged from physical therapy. Musculoskelet Sci Pract, 2022, In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102568
Davies, GJ, Riemann, BL. Relationships Between Upper Extremity Functional Test and Patient Reported Outcome in Patients Completing Shoulder Rehabilitation. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, In Review, 2022
Grosicki GJ, Bunsawat K, Jeong S, Robinson AT. Racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 outcomes in White, Black/African American, and Latinx Populations: Social Determinants of Health. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 2022. PMID: Pending.
Grosicki, G.J., Culver, M.N., McMillan, N.K., Cross, B.L. Montoye, A.H.K., Riemann, B.L. Flatt, A.A. Self-recorded heart rate variability profiles are associated with health and lifestyle markers in young adults. Clinical Autonomic Research, 2022. DOI: 10.1007/s10286-022-00884-z
2021
Flatt, A.A., Allen, J.R., Keith, C.M., Martinez, M.W. & Esco, M.R. (2021). Season-long heart rate variability tracking reveals autonomic imbalance in American college football players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. 16(12): 1834-1843.
Grosicki GJ, Gries KJ, Minchev K, Raue U, Chambers TL, Begue G, Finch H, Graham B, Trappe TT, Trappe S. Single muscle fiber contractile characteristics with lifelong endurance exercise. The Journal of Physiology, 2021. PMID: 34036579
Riemann, B.L., Watson, M., Davies, G.J. Reliability and validity of a novel isokinetic knee dynamometer system. ACTA Bioengineering and Biomechanics, 2021;23(4), 107-116. DOI: 10.37190/ABB-01936-2021-03
2020
Flatt, A.A., Allen, J.R., Bragg, A., Keith, C.M. & Esco, M.R. (2020). Heart rate variability in college football players throughout preseason training in the heat. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 41(9): 589-595.
Flatt, A.A., Esco, M.R., Allen, J.R., Robinson, J.B., Fedewa, M.V., Bragg, A., Keith, C.M. & Earley, R.L. (2020). Cardiac-autonomic responses to in-season training among division-1 college football players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 34(6): 1649-1656.
Grosicki GJ, Barrett BB, Englund DA, Liu C, Travison TG, Cederholm T, Koochek A, von Berens A, Gustafsson T, Benard T, Reid K, Fielding R. Circulating interleukin-6 is associated with skeletal muscle strength, quality, and functional adaptation with exercise training in mobility-limited older adults. Journal of Frailty & Aging, 2020. PMID: 32150215.
Grosicki, G.J., Langan, S.P., Carreker, J., Flatt, A.A., Riemann, B.L., Lustgarten, M.S. Self-Reported Sleep Quality Is Associated With Gut Microbiome Composition in Young, Healthy Individuals: A Pilot Study. Sleep Medicine, 2020; 73: 76-81. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.04.013
Riemann, B.L., Mercardo, M., Erickson, K., Grosicki, G.J. Comparison of balance performance between masters Olympic weightlifters and runners. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 2020;30(9):1586-1593. DOI: 10.1111/sms.13729
Watts C, Johnson, M, Helms, M, Riemann, B. Comparisons of Neuromusculoskeletal Characteristics between Weightlifters, Power-lifters, and Healthy Controls. MSSM thesis, 2022-2023
Vondrasek, J, Brown, J, Roberts, A, Grosicki, G. Effects of Post-Resistance Exercise Fan Bike Intervals on Arterial Stiffness and Next-day Recovery Markers in Trained Adults. MSSM thesis, 2022-2023
Corn, K, Watts, C, Johnson, M, Helms, M, Riemann, B. Kinetic and Kinematic Barbell Trajectory Analysis of the Snatch and Clean and Jerk in Experienced Lifters. MSSM thesis, 2022-2023
Carreker, J, Grosicki, G. Physiological Predictors of Performance on the CrossFit Murph Workout. MSSM thesis, 2019-2020
Langan, S, Riemann, B. The Influence of Active Muscle Tendon Stiffness on Isolated and Dynamic Muscle Function. MSSM thesis, 2019-2020
Christiani, M, Flatt, A. Cardiac Autonomic Responses to Fluid Ingestions: Implications for Field-Based Heart Rate Variability Monitoring. MSSM thesis, 2019-2020
Mackey, E, Riemann, B. Biomechanical Differences Between the Bulgarian Split-Squat and Back Squat. MSSM thesis, 2019-2020
Collins, B, Charles, T, Mingledorff, T, Turner, J, Davies, GJ. The Efficacy of Shoulder Joint Mobilization Training Using Computerized Shoulder Simulation Models versus Normal Male Human Subjects’ Shoulders. DPT capstone, 2019-2020
Bargeron, S, Connolly, A, Hackmann, K, Lane, T, Davies, GJ. The Effects of Fatigue on Selected Upper Extremity Functional Tests. DPT capstone, 2019-2020
DeLoach, B, Ebel, N, Taylor, M, Thayer, L, Davies, GJ. Establishing the Reliability and Validity of Novel Upper Extremity Function Tests. DPT Capstone, 2019-2020
Riemann, B, Davies, GJ. Reliability and Validity of Portable Isokinetic Dynamometry, 2019-2020
Creque, Z, Cross, B, Culver, M, McMillin, N, Watson, M, Watts, C, Yount, P, Riemann, B, Grosicki, G, Flatt, A. Heart Rate Variability: A Versatile Health Biomarker. MSSM thesis, 2019-2020
Greer, C, Griffin, A, Sullivan, R, Glenn, F, Davies, GJ. A Comparison of the Effects of High Intensity Interval Training on Lower Extremity Muscular Power- Spirit MU100 Upright Cycle Ergometer vs. Spirit MU100 Recumbent Cycle Ergometer. DPT capstone, 2019-2020
Davies, GJ, Riemann, BL, Rowe, J, Collins, B. Limb symmetry index comparison using the seated shot put in participants with previous shoulder conditions and correlation to patient reports outcomes (PROs). 2019-2020.
Watson, MD, Davies, GJ, Riemann, BL. Relationship between seated single arm shot put and isokinetic shoulder flexion and extension strength. Abstract submitted to ACSM Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, May, 2020
Welch, ES, Watson, MD, Davies, GJ, Riemann, BL. Biomechanical analysis of the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test. Abstract submitted to ACSM Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, May, 2020
Presentations: Student as Lead Author/Faculty as Secondary Author(s)
2024
None Reported
2023
None Reported
2022
Culver, M.N., McMillan, N.K., Cross, B.L., Robinson, A.T., Montoye, A.H.K., Riemann, B.L., Flatt, A.A., Grosicki, G.J. Sleep duration irregularity is associated with elevated blood pressure in young adults. Chronobiology International, 2022. DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2022.2101373
2021
Bahensky P, Grosicki GJ. Superior adaptations in adolescent runners using heart rate variability (HRV)-guided training at altitude. Biosensors, 2021. PMID: 33799558
Blumenburg WT, Frederick JM, Cross BL, Culver MN, McMillan NK, Montoye AHK, Flatt AA, Grosicki GJ. Physical fitness, but not physical activity, is associated with mental health in apparently healthy young adults. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 2021. PMID: 34931785
Christiani M, Grosicki GJ, Flatt AA. Cardiac-autonomic and hemodynamic responses to a hypertonic, sugar-sweetened sports beverage in physically active men. Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, 2021. PMID: 33761293
Collins, B., Watson, M., Davies, G.J., Riemann, B.L. Relationship Between Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test and Isokinetic Shoulder Flexion and Elbow Extension Work. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care, 2021, 13(6) 1-6. DOI: 10.3928/19425864-20210401-03
Collins, B., Watson, M., Davies, G.J., Riemann, B.L. Relationship Between Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test and Isokinetic Shoulder Flexion and Elbow Extension Work. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care, 2021, 13(6) 1-6. DOI: 10.3928/19425864-20210401-03
Fernandez A, Wimer G, Culver MN, Flatt AA, Grosicki GJ. Fan cooling improves submaximal exercise capacity in an indoor thermoneutral environment. Research Quarterly, 2021. PMID: Pending 34054576
Langan, S.P., Murphy, T., Johnson, W.M., Riemann, B.L. The influence of active hamstring stiffness on markers of isotonic muscle performance. Sports, 2021; 9(5);70. DOI: 10.3390/sports9050070
Mackey, E.R., Riemann, B.L. Biomechanical differences between the Bulgarian split-squat and back squat. International Journal of Exercise Science, 2021;14(1), 533-543
Negrete, R, Simms, S, Gross, J, Zeini, I, Hixon, M, Rabello, LN, Jenkins, W, Davies, GJ. The Test-Retest Reliability of a Novel Single Leg Hop Test. IJSPT. June, 2021
Watson MD, Cross BL, Grosicki GJ. Evidence for the contribution of gut microbiota to age-related anabolic resistance. Nutrients, 2021. PMID: 33672207
Watson, M., Collins, B., Davies, G.J., Riemann, B.L. The influence of hip flexion and isokinetic velocity upon hamstrings-quadriceps strength rations in healthy females. Research Quarterly in Exercise and Sport, 2021, In Press. DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2021.1908508
Wilkerson M, Anderson C, Grosicki GJ, Flatt AA. Perceived pain responses to foam rolling associate with basal heart rate variability. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 2021. PMID: 34079600
2020
Ammar, A., Riemann, B.L., Hoekelmann, A. Effect of 3min vs. 2min inter-maximal repetition rest period on performance, RPE, technique proficiency and power development during maximal clean movement. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020;34(4), 2548-2558. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002785
Cross B, Parker D, Langan SP, Grosicki GJ. Effect of a commercially available low-dose capsaicin supplement on knee extensor contractile function. International Journal of Exercise Science, 2020. PMID: 32148619.
Culver MN, Langan SP, Carreker J, Flatt AA, Ratchford SM, Grosicki GJ. Self-reported sleep quality is associated with central hemodynamics in healthy individuals. Sleep and Breathing, 2020. PMID: 32328930.
Erikson, K., Grosicki, G., Mercardo, M., Riemann, B.L. Bone mineral density and muscle mass in masters Olympic weightlifters and runners. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2020;28(5):749-755. DOI: 10.1123/japa.2019-0426
Langan SP, Grosicki GJ. Commercially available capsaicin supplement fails to enhance time-to-exhaustion during cycling. International Journal of Exercise Science, 2020. PMID: 32148618
Piersol, K., Riemann, B.L. Effect of unweighting assistance on sit-to-stand mechanics in older adults. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 2020, 38(4):370-384. DOI: 10.1080/02703181.2020.1762825
Piersol, K., Riemann, B.L. Effect of unweighting assistance on sit-to-stand mechanics in older adults. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 2020, 38(4):370-384. DOI: 10.1080/02703181.2020.1762825
Welch, E, Watson, M., Davies, G.J., Riemann, B.L. Biomechanical Analysis of the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test in Healthy Young Adults. Physical Therapy in Sport, 2020;45: 120-1252. DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.06.010
Presentations: Faculty as Lead Author/ Student(s) as Secondary Author(s)
2024
None Reported
2023
None Reported
2022
Davies, G.J., Riemann, B.L. Relationships between the seated single arm shot put test and Quick-DASH in patients being discharged from physical therapy. Musculoskelet Sci Pract, 2022, In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102568
Davies, GJ, Riemann, BL. Relationships Between Upper Extremity Functional Test and Patient Reported Outcome in Patients Completing Shoulder Rehabilitation. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, In Review, 2022
Grosicki GJ, Bunsawat K, Jeong S, Robinson AT. Racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 outcomes in White, Black/African American, and Latinx Populations: Social Determinants of Health. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 2022. PMID: Pending.
Grosicki, G.J., Culver, M.N., McMillan, N.K., Cross, B.L. Montoye, A.H.K., Riemann, B.L. Flatt, A.A. Self-recorded heart rate variability profiles are associated with health and lifestyle markers in young adults. Clinical Autonomic Research, 2022. DOI: 10.1007/s10286-022-00884-z
2021
Flatt, A.A., Allen, J.R., Keith, C.M., Martinez, M.W. & Esco, M.R. (2021). Season-long heart rate variability tracking reveals autonomic imbalance in American college football players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. 16(12): 1834-1843.
Grosicki GJ, Gries KJ, Minchev K, Raue U, Chambers TL, Begue G, Finch H, Graham B, Trappe TT, Trappe S. Single muscle fiber contractile characteristics with lifelong endurance exercise. The Journal of Physiology, 2021. PMID: 34036579
Riemann, B.L., Watson, M., Davies, G.J. Reliability and validity of a novel isokinetic knee dynamometer system. ACTA Bioengineering and Biomechanics, 2021;23(4), 107-116. DOI: 10.37190/ABB-01936-2021-03
2020
Flatt, A.A., Allen, J.R., Bragg, A., Keith, C.M. & Esco, M.R. (2020). Heart rate variability in college football players throughout preseason training in the heat. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 41(9): 589-595.
Flatt, A.A., Esco, M.R., Allen, J.R., Robinson, J.B., Fedewa, M.V., Bragg, A., Keith, C.M. & Earley, R.L. (2020). Cardiac-autonomic responses to in-season training among division-1 college football players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 34(6): 1649-1656.
Grosicki GJ, Barrett BB, Englund DA, Liu C, Travison TG, Cederholm T, Koochek A, von Berens A, Gustafsson T, Benard T, Reid K, Fielding R. Circulating interleukin-6 is associated with skeletal muscle strength, quality, and functional adaptation with exercise training in mobility-limited older adults. Journal of Frailty & Aging, 2020. PMID: 32150215.
Grosicki, G.J., Langan, S.P., Carreker, J., Flatt, A.A., Riemann, B.L., Lustgarten, M.S. Self-Reported Sleep Quality Is Associated With Gut Microbiome Composition in Young, Healthy Individuals: A Pilot Study. Sleep Medicine, 2020; 73: 76-81. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.04.013
Riemann, B.L., Mercardo, M., Erickson, K., Grosicki, G.J. Comparison of balance performance between masters Olympic weightlifters and runners. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 2020;30(9):1586-1593. DOI: 10.1111/sms.13729