Dr. Jay Patel

The Motion Analysis and Performance Lab (MAPLAB) at Prisma Health in South Carolina is renowned for its comprehensive services in human biomechanics, physiology and motor pattern assessment.

MAPLAB was founded and is overseen by Dr. Jay Patel, Ph.D., Director of Sport Science at Prisma Health. Megan Ward, M.Sc., MAPLAB’s Research Development Specialist, handles the day-to-day operations of the lab and provides insight into biomechanical analyses with a focus on injury prevention while enhancing athletic performance. Megan provides a holistic approach to athletic performance enhancement to help clients reach their individual goals in applications including gait, baseball, pitching and golf, among others. The MAPLAB team integrates many assessment methods to understand how a person moves, then devises a plan to help them improve and reach their movement goals.

In 2018, the MAPLAB team acquired The MotionMonitor system with Vicon cameras, AMTI force plates and Noraxon EMG sensors. They also expanded their capabilities to include data collection outside the lab with The MotionMonitor portable system with Xsens Inertial Sensors (IMUs).

“Our lab sees all populations and all ages throughout the year. From pediatric to geriatric, weekend warriors to Olympic athletes, MotionMonitor xGen allows for each one to have an individualized experience through the ability to dissect their movement on numerous levels,” says Dr. Jay Patel. The MotionMonitor supports the various protocols which the MAPLAB team needs for their broad range of applications.  Jay adds, “The customization of each analysis and smooth integration with our hardware systems has proven crucial for us- both from a biomechanical standpoint, as well as a buy-in factor for many of our clients. Seeing how muscles are activating, while watching joint forces and kinematics, can provide the objective measures that many people need to see to truly better their mechanics.” Jay also mentioned that the live animation visuals, graphs and functionalities of The MotionMonitor engage their clients. The MAPLAB team shares the results of their biomechanical assessments with athletic professionals and clinicians. Jay shares, “The ability to easily export large amounts of data proves invaluable for us because we base a good bit of research off certain time points and the ability to work through 5-6 full gait cycles at one time. The design allows us to create graphs or change data presentation to best fit each scenario, either individual or industry based.”

To learn more about MAPLAB check out their website MAP Lab – Motion Analysis and Performance Laboratory and see this overview video MAP Lab Overview. We look forward to supporting MAPLAB as they continue to grow.

Meet The Team:

Megan Ward, M.Sc

An Atlanta native, Megan Ward currently serves as a research development specialist within the Motion Analysis and Performance Lab (MAPLAB) at Prisma Health. She received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina in 2022 and her Master of Science in Exercise Science from South Carolina in 2024. She has presented at both regional and national conferences and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Jay Patel, PhD

Dr. Patel has joint appointments, serving as both Director of Research at Apex Prisma Health and  Direct of Sports Performance Science at University of South Carolina Athletics Department.  He received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, a master’s degree in exercise science and a PhD in kinesiology with specializations in anatomy and sport biomechanics from Auburn University. An expert in the field, Patel is a sought-after guest lecturer and publisher and has worked with professional and Olympic-level athletes. Patel holds certifications including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association; Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine; and Functional Movement Screening certified through Functional Movement Systems.