The Humpty Dumpty Paediatric Gait Analysis Laboratory or the NSW Paediatric Gait Analysis Lab is a large clinical research space where clinicians and researchers can assess the function and physical capacity of children who are participating in research projects and clinical trials. This lab is also the Paediatric Gait Analysis Service of NSW.

The lab collects sophisticated 3D measurements to look at how children’s bodies move, their limb motion, muscle strength, plantar pressure, walking ability, as well as their coordination, balance, endurance and power. These data are processed and analysed to understand how a disease or disability can affect a child’s function and quality of life– and how we can intervene to help.

The Gait Lab is fully equipped with an 8 camera Vicon MX motion capture system, three AMTI forceplates, a wireless 16 channel EMG system, split-screen 2D video analysis equipment, access to a comprehensive suite of plantar pressure hardware and software, a tandem instrumented walkway, isometric dynamometers and several specialised test jigs for the study of the neurological and musculoskeletal system. The laboratory has both extramural as well as intramural collaborations with Orthopaedics, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Departments.

The Gait Lab was built with the assistance of a generous capital donation from The Humpty Dumpty Foundation, and we are very grateful for their ongoing interest and generous support of our service.