#United States #Aurora #Children's Colorado #Vicon #Gait Lab

Children's Hospital Colorado Introduces Cutting-Edge Camera Technology in Gait Lab

Children's Hospital Colorado, renowned for its pediatric healthcare excellence, has recently enhanced its Center for Gait and Movement Analysis, commonly referred to as the Gait Lab. This facility is the only accredited clinical gait and movement analysis lab in the region and has now adopted Vicon's latest camera technology, the Valkyrie, to improve patient care.

New Horizons in Motion Analysis

The recent upgrade is a significant milestone in the hospital's mission to support children in being as mobile and active as possible. According to Lucas Moore, a program developer at the Gait Lab, this advanced technology allows medical professionals to gain better insight into a patient's movements during the gait analysis process. This analysis includes observing how children walk with or without assistive devices like walkers or braces. The introduction of advanced camera capabilities aids in quicker evaluations and the formulation of more effective treatment strategies.

Incorporating Vicon technology into the Gait Lab is not a new endeavor; the hospital has utilized Vicon systems for over 25 years. However, the new Valkyrie cameras are set to revolutionize how they assess patient mobility. These cameras utilize advanced motion capture techniques, including 3D motion kinetics and kinematics, which allow healthcare providers to diagnose patients in real time, facilitating more immediate and personalized care solutions.

A Resource for Hundreds of Families

The Gait Lab at Children's Colorado is among the 18 accredited gait labs in the United States, serving around 550 patients annually. Patients come from states such as Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, and Nebraska, seeking specialized care for conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and various other musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders. The team's use of state-of-the-art methods, including high-definition video recording and 3D motion capture technology, ensures comprehensive analysis of a child's movement patterns, further aiding their recovery and rehabilitation process.

The process utilized in the Gait Lab involves creating a detailed avatar of each patient, which mirrors their real-time movements. This cutting-edge method is akin to how filmmakers transform live actors into animated characters for films and video games. By collaborating with experts from various specialties—including physical therapy, kinesiology, orthopedic surgery, and engineering—the Gait Lab ensures that every child receives the best possible health outcomes.

Vicon's Role in Innovation

Founded in 1984, Vicon is a leading provider of motion capture technologies. The U.S. headquarters, located in Denver, has enabled many advancements in the healthcare sector by making strides in how motion is captured and analyzed. The integration of the Valkyrie system enhances capabilities, providing both real-time and offline motion capture data. Vicon's commitment to pioneering motion technologies not only aids researchers and medical institutions but also contributes to the broader life sciences and entertainment industries.

As George Miller, a senior account manager at Vicon, stated, “The Gait Lab's latest upgrade to the Valkyrie cameras will ensure the Center for Gait and Movement Analysis remains at the bleeding edge of motion capture technology, continuing its legacy of excellence.”

Children's Hospital Colorado: A Leader in Pediatric Healthcare

Established in 1908, Children's Hospital Colorado is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading nonprofit pediatric healthcare systems. With a mission centered on improving children’s health through innovative patient care, education, research, and advocacy, the hospital continually ranks among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The institution provides a comprehensive range of family-centered care across multiple locations in Colorado, ensuring accessible and high-quality medical services to families in need.

For more insights on the Children's Hospital Colorado or to find out more about the Gait Lab's offerings, visit www.childrenscolorado.org or connect through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.