Gait and Motion Analysis

Our team includes specialists from physiotherapy, biomechanical engineering, and orthopedic surgery. We also work with orthotists if your child or youth has orthoses or prostheses. 

We use three-dimensional motion analysis equipment, similar to equipment used to make video games and animated movies, to help us understand and recommend resolutions for movement challenges. 

We then create a report with recommendations on how your community care team can work with you and your child or youth to help them maximize their movement potential. 

Gait analysis

Clinicians refer patients to the Motion Lab if they:

• May need surgery
• Need changes to their orthoses
• May need some other related therapy

The patients we see have concerns about their walking function and ability. They may or may not use orthoses, crutches or walkers. 

Return-to-sport assessment

Nine to twelve months after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction at BC Children’s Hospital, orthopedic surgeons refer patients to the Motion Lab for a follow-up return-to-sport assessment. This assessment helps the orthopedic surgeons determine whether patients are ready to return to full participation in sports/activity.

Referral information

To access gait analysis services, patients need a referral from a health-care provider. Providers can find more details on the process via our referral page.

Appointment details

Please arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time. Check in with our receptionist at the main entrance of Sunny Hill Health Centre.

Gait analysis

During the appointment, a physiotherapist will complete muscle tests and joint range-of-motion measurements. We place reflective markers on the skin to allow our motion capture system to "see" the patient.  The whole appointment takes approximately 2-3 hours. 

Please bring: 

• Tight-fitting shorts and a tight-fitting t-shirt or tank top for your child or youth
• All your child/youth's walking aids, orthoses or prostheses, and any shoes they use regularly (both with and without orthoses)

Please note: do not put skin cream or lotion on your child on the day of the assessment.

Return-to-sport assessment

During the appointment, a physiotherapist will complete muscle tests and joint range-of-motion measurements. We place reflective markers on the skin to allow our motion capture system to "see" the patient. The whole appointment takes approximately 1-2 hours. 

Please bring: 

• Sport/active tight-fitting shorts and shirt (sports tops and tank tops are ideal) for your child or youth
• Shoes that your child or youth would regularly wear during active play. They will wear these shoes during the assessment

Please note: do not put skin cream or lotion on your child on the day of the assessment.

Contact us

This service is offered from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Address:
Entrance #5
BC Children's Hospital
4500 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H 3N1 

If you have any questions or concerns about your appointment, please call the Motion Lab booking clerk:

Phone: 604-875-2345, extension 458318

Additional resources

For more information about the Motion Lab, the team and what to expect from a visit, see the Motion Lab page on the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute website.