Dr. Zeinab Gasavi Nezhad | Biomechanics| Best Researcher Award

Teaching Assistant | University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences | Iran

Zeinab Gasavi Nezhad is an early-career researcher and clinician specializing in orthotics, prosthetics, and rehabilitation sciences. She holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Orthotics and Prosthetics from the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), where she graduated as the top student of her cohort. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. at USWR while serving as a Teaching Assistant. Her research integrates biomechanics, clinical rehabilitation, and engineering design, with a focus on spinal orthoses for older adults with hyperkyphosis and assistive devices for neurological conditions. She has published systematic reviews, clinical trials, and collaborative studies with engineers and startups, leading to peer-reviewed articles, funded projects, and a patent-pending wearable kyphosis-corrective belt. Alongside her academic pursuits, she provides specialized clinical care to elderly patients and children with cerebral palsy, ensuring her research is grounded in real-world rehabilitation needs. Her career reflects a dedication to bridging clinical practice and innovation.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education

Zeinab Gasavi Nezhad completed both her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Orthotics and Prosthetics at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), excelling as the top graduate in her class. During her academic training, she developed strong expertise in biomechanics, gait analysis, orthotic design, and rehabilitation strategies, which laid the foundation for her future research. Her master’s studies emphasized systematic reviews and clinical research in orthotic interventions, particularly targeting postural deformities and gait impairments in older adults. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. at USWR, where her doctoral research investigates advanced orthotic solutions for hyperkyphosis and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. As part of her training, she has led multiple funded projects and collaborated with engineers in the design and testing of innovative assistive devices. Zeinab’s educational path reflects a strong commitment to combining academic excellence with translational research aimed at enhancing rehabilitation practices and clinical care.

Experience

Zeinab Gasavi Nezhad has extensive experience spanning clinical rehabilitation, academic teaching, and applied research. She currently serves as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, supporting undergraduate and graduate-level instruction in orthotics, prosthetics, and rehabilitation technologies. Her research experience includes systematic reviews on hyperkyphosis, spinal cord injury, ankle injuries, and cerebral palsy, several of which have been published in international journals. She has also led clinical trials and prototype testing, most notably on a wearable vibratory-feedback kyphosis-corrective belt, where she served as project lead in collaboration with engineers at Sharif University. Clinically, Zeinab delivers specialized care for older adults with spinal deformities and children with cerebral palsy, ensuring her interventions are evidence-based and patient-centered. She is also engaged in consultancy and innovation projects with startups, translating research outcomes into practical rehabilitation devices. This diverse experience has strengthened her role as both a clinician and academic innovator.

Research Focus

Zeinab Gasavi Nezhad’s research lies at the intersection of biomechanics, orthotic innovation, and rehabilitation sciences. Her primary focus is on posture and gait in older adults with hyperkyphosis, where she has conducted award-nominated systematic reviews and clinical studies on spinal orthoses, gait parameters, balance, and fall risk. She also explores assistive device innovation for neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy, integrating engineering design with clinical evaluation to create novel solutions. Her ongoing Ph.D. research investigates advanced orthoses for spinal cord injury rehabilitation, including reciprocating hip-knee designs. In parallel, she has contributed to systematic reviews and trials on ankle injuries, postural stability, and orthotic interventions in athletes. Zeinab emphasizes translational research by leading collaborations with engineers and startups to develop prototypes like the wearable kyphosis-corrective belt, now under patent review. Overall, her research advances evidence-based, patient-centered innovations in orthotics and rehabilitation practice.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Zeinab Gasavi Nezhad has received recognition for her academic excellence, research achievements, and innovative contributions. At the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), she was recognized as an Exceptional Talent, a distinction granted to high-achieving students. Her systematic review on gait impairment in older adults with hyperkyphosis was nominated for a research award, highlighting her contribution to evidence-based rehabilitation. Zeinab is also an active member of the Iranian Orthotics and Prosthetics Association and the Research and Technology Committee at USWR, reflecting her leadership in academic and professional communities. She has presented her work at scientific congresses and actively contributed to collaborative projects bridging engineering and clinical sciences. Additionally, her work on the vibratory-feedback kyphosis-corrective belt has led to a patent application, further demonstrating her innovative capacity. These achievements underscore her dual commitment to advancing rehabilitation science and improving patient care outcomes.

Publication Top Notes

Conclusion

Zeinab Gasavi Nezhad demonstrates potential as a researcher in orthotics and prosthetics, with a strong academic background and research focus. Her multidisciplinary collaborations and clinical expertise are notable, and her research has the potential to make a significant impact in the field of rehabilitation sciences. With further development of her publication record and citation impact, she could become a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to the field, including her award-nominated systematic reviews and patent-pending vibratory kyphosis corrective belt, demonstrate her commitment to advancing the field and improving patient outcomes.