This week, staff from our Movement Science team participated in the 26^th Annual Meeting of the Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society (GCMAS). As a virtual conference this year, the two-day program brought together physicians, allied health professionals, engineers, scientists and biomechanists to discuss the latest advancements and research within the field of movement. 

The Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society (GCMAS) includes professionals with various backgrounds from institutions across the country who are committed to working together to discover technical capabilities, clinical practice and scientific knowledge when it comes to human movement. Through the annual meeting and ongoing research, the group is able collaborate to bring more knowledge to this topic, ultimately helping individuals with any movement disorder.   

This year, Scottish Rite for Children had several projects selected for presentation. In addition, staff led a tutorial session and participated on a panel discussion. Below is the research presented:

• Lower extremity Analysis of the Step Down Tap Task: An Assessment of Methodology for a Sports Protocol
• Lower Extremity Asymmetry Increases Based on Provided Instructions and Target Use During a Drop Vertical Jump Task
• Quantitative Physical Activity Assessment In Children During A Covid-19 Stay-At-Home Order
• Sagittal Plane Motion During Different Squat Tasks in Patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement
• Changes in Lower Extremity Kinematics Based on Jump Distance of a Drop Vertical Jump - Won Best Poster Award
• Gait Profile Score of Children with Cerebral Palsy Can Differ Based on Normative Data from Different Institutions
• Temporospatial Parameters in Pediatric Hip Pathology Patients
• Inter and Intra Rater Reliability of the Image Based Criteria of the Foot Posture Index in Pediatric Populations
• Functional Deficits in the Non-Operatively Treated Skeletally Mature Child with Clubfoot: Movement Quality Assessment Using Accelerometry Data
• Functional Outcomes in Acetabular Dysplasia Patients: A 10-Year Post-Operative Case Series

Division Director of Movement Science Kirsten Tulchin-Francis, Ph.D., has served in leadership roles with GCMAS throughout the years. At the 2021 meeting, she was inducted as the President of the society which is a position she will hold for next two years. “I am so excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead this prestigious group,” says Tulchin-Francis. “As a longtime member of GCMAS, I have witnessed the great work and collaboration among the members. I look forward to the future and everything we can accomplish to advance the care and research for individuals with movement disorders.”