Our Services

The Syncrude Centre for Motion and Balance (SCMB) provides specialized services for individuals of all ages, with expertise in both motion analysis and balance assessment.

Motion

Motion analysis involves a detailed assessment of how a person moves—typically focusing on walking (gait), posture, or specific limb movements—using advanced, non-invasive technologies. The goal is to better understand movement patterns, identify abnormalities, and guide clinical treatment or rehabilitation. Gait and mobility challenges addressed through motion analysis may stem from conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, brain injury, limb amputation, incomplete spinal cord injury, or other neurological disorders.

Key components of motion analysis typically include:

• 3D Motion Capture: Infrared cameras track reflective markers placed on the body to record joint movements in three dimensions.
• High-Speed Video: Used to visually analyze movement in real-time or slow motion, helping clinicians observe patterns not visible to the naked eye.
• Force & Pressure Measurement: Devices like force plates and foot pressure mats measure how the body interacts with the ground during movement.
• Electromyography (EMG) (in some settings): Measures muscle activity to assess how muscles coordinate during movement.
• Clinical Interpretation: A multidisciplinary team interprets the collected data to understand movement abnormalities, support diagnosis, and plan individualized treatments.

To learn more about the service we provide, visit the following service listing:

• Motion Service

Balance

Balance rehabilitation, also known as balance or vestibular therapy, is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to improve a person’s balance, stability, and coordination, particularly when these have been affected by injury, illness, or neurological disorders.

Key components of balance rehabilitation include:

• Assessment and Diagnosis
  • Comprehensive evaluation to identify the cause of balance issues, often involving tests for vestibular (inner ear) function, proprioception, vision, and musculoskeletal health.
  • Advanced diagnostic tools may include Videonystagmography (VNG), Rotary Chair testing, Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP), and inVision Testing.
• Customized Exercise Programs
  • Gaze stabilization exercises to improve visual focus during head movement.
  • Balance training exercises to enhance stability in static and dynamic positions.
  • Strength and flexibility exercises to support postural control and movement.
  • Functional task training to help regain confidence and safety in daily activities.
• Habituation Exercises
  • Gradual exposure to movements or environments that trigger symptoms (e.g., dizziness or vertigo), helping the brain adapt and reduce sensitivity.
• Education & Fall Prevention
  • Teaching strategies to reduce the risk of falls, improve home safety, and increase awareness of body positioning.
• Multidisciplinary Approach
  • Often involves collaboration between physical therapists, audiologists, occupational therapists, and medical specialists.

Balance rehabilitation is commonly used for individuals with conditions such as vestibular disorders, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, concussions, or age-related balance decline. The overall goal is to restore safe and confident movement.

To learn more about each of the services we provide, visit the following service listings:

• Posturography Service
• Vestibular Clinic
• Vestibular Rehabilitation
• Videonystagmography (VNG)

Our Students

The Syncrude Centre for Motion and Balance often partners with post-secondary institutions in Alberta and other Alberta Health Services programs to educate medical students, otolaryngology and physiatry residents, audiology and physical therapy students, and clinicians.