Lindsay Foundation Gait Lab Reopens To Support NZ Children

The AUT Foundation is delighted to announce the official reopening of the Lindsay Foundation Gait Lab, located at AUT's North Campus, following a much-needed and significant upgrade.

Previously known as the AUT Gait Lab, the facility has been renamed in recognition of the generous support from The Lindsay Foundation

The lab, which has been a cornerstone of the National Clinical Gait Analysis Service in conjunction with Starship Child Health for over a decade, continues its mission to assess and support children and young people with complex walking issues.

Professor Peter McNair, a leading figure in the lab's operations, says the impact on patient outcomes is significant.

"As New Zealand's only gait lab dedicated to tamariki and rangatahi, the recent upgrade will improve our ability to provide more precise and effective assessments. With advanced technology and enhanced facilities, we can better support children and young people with complex walking issues.

This significant improvement ensures they receive the care they need in a state-of-the-art environment, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and enabling greater participation in everyday activities."

Since its inception, the Gait Lab has helped children from across New Zealand with conditions such as cerebral palsy, brain injuries, and spinal cord impairments.

Each year, over 100 children will benefit from the lab's sophisticated 3D gait analysis, which is considered the gold standard in assessing human walking.

The recent upgrades, made possible by the generosity of AUT Foundation donors & The Lindsay Foundation, include the installation of an extra-long pressure platform and a new 3D camera imaging system.

This state-of-the-art equipment provides accurate and reliable information for analysing lower limb function and diagnosing pathologies to support surgical teams in their assessment and diagnosis of patients.

Rob Campbell, AUT Foundation Chair, says the support received has been invaluable.

"The generosity of The Lindsay Foundation has enabled us to acquire the latest technology for reviewing images related to patients’ gait and mobility, ultimately leading to better outcomes."

Professor Brett Cowan, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, says the project underscores the importance of partnerships in delivering better outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand and highlights AUT's role as the country's largest health science/ allied health professional provider and in shaping national policies on health, sports, and environmental science.

“The newly upgraded Lindsay Foundation Gait Lab showcases our dedication to delivering excellent care for children in New Zealand. With state-of-the-art equipment and improved facilities, we can provide high-quality services and support for years ahead.

This initiative demonstrates the importance of collaboration in making meaningful strides in healthcare and support for our children and families. It also reflects AUT's commitment to advancing health sciences and positively impacting our communities.”

Brendan Lindsay, Trustee of The Lindsay Foundation, says the foundation's focus aligns perfectly with the goals of the Gait Lab.

"The Lindsay Foundation’s main focus is to support individuals and organisations who make a positive impact, specifically in the areas of children, disabilities, and health. The impact of this lab on the lives of young New Zealanders and their families is profound, and we are proud to be part of this important initiative."

Rob Campbell also acknowledges the contributions from community donors, including AUT staff.

"We are incredibly grateful to the community donors, including AUT staff, who contributed toys and other resources to create a welcoming environment for the children. Their support has been invaluable in making the Gait lab a more inviting and supportive space for young patients and their families."

The Lindsay Foundation Gait Lab provides comprehensive assessments and treatment recommendations for children and young people with complex walking issues. By analysing limb motion, muscle strength, foot pressures, and other factors, the lab's clinical team can develop tailored interventions to improve health outcomes for patients.

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