Connecting the dots on a cross-Canada motion analysis network

HN Summary

• CP-MAN is a national network connecting motion analysis centres to advance precision care for children with disabilities. 

• Collaboration enables shared data, standardized practices, and faster research progress across Canada. 

• The network supports more accurate assessments and personalized treatment decisions, improving mobility and quality of life.

What if gait labs and motion analysis centres across the country could unite—sharing data, expertise and innovation—to advance precision medicine for children and youth with disabilities? 

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto and Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. John’s, N.L., are proud to have led the establishment of the Canadian Pediatric Motion Analysis Network (CP-MAN), which recently marked its first year of collaboration with clinical motion analysis centres and motion analysis research labs across Canada. 

“Prior to the establishment of this network, most pediatric motion analysis teams worked independently, each making strides in motion analysis and clinical care,” says Puja Ahluwalia, physiotherapist on Holland Bloorview’s Motion Analysis Centre team, which specializes in clinical paediatric gait and mobility assessments. “We recognized a gap in being able to collaborate, share learnings, standardize reporting and clinical practice, and look at future research opportunities.” 

CP-MAN includes nearly 15 clinical or research organizations focused on pediatric motion analysis. Members meet virtually three to four times a year and include physiotherapists, kinesiologists, engineers researchers and technicians. 

Erin Stanley, who co-chairs the CP-MAN network alongside Holland Bloorview’s Ahluwalia and is a physiotherapist in the Motion Analysis Centre at Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre, says the opportunity to convene with other motion analysis professionals across the country has been both rewarding, and productive.

“In the past year alone, we’ve convened the network, offered several educational sessions and had early discussions about how we can standardize, and eventually share, data sets and research so we can move the science forward faster, together,” says Stanley. “We are aligned and motivated by a shared goal to improve and transform care for children undergoing gait analysis.” 

Already, interest is growing. Several external organizations have approached CP-MAN asking to reference the network in their funding proposals, seeing its value as a model for coordinated, high impact research. 

Josh McGillivray, lead with Holland Bloorview’s Motion Analysis Centre team, says the national network is very excited about the cross-country collaboration. “Our growing, nationwide network of like-minded health-care professionals, researchers and engineers is what is necessary to move towards precision health,” says McGillivray. “Patients now come to Holland Bloorview, and motion analysis centres across Canada, to work with clinicians who have collective knowledge from across the country. 

“This allows for the most accurate assessments, leading to results that can be used to make precise decisions about surgery, clinical treatment plans and equipment. Ultimately, this means that patients will experience the care they need to optimize the way they move in their everyday lives whether that’s going to school, playing in the backyard or hanging out with friends.”  

From concept to collaboration to national momentum, CP-MAN is a shining example of how collaboration and leadership in convening experts across the country is strengthening the science that will shape the next generation of pediatric health care for children with disabilities.

Donovan Cooper is senior director, ambulatory care, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. 

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