ʹڲapp recently showcased the equipment donated by Paris Orthotics Ltd. during a Kinesiology Lab Crawl. (photo: Nick Pearce)
Posted:June 2, 2025
By:Dawn Morrison
ʹڲapp's Faculty of Health is making strides in transforming the future of biomechanics education, research, and care, thanks to state-of-the-art equipment donated by Paris Orthotics Ltd.
The gift, made to theSchool of Health and Human Performance through the Bringing Worlds Together campaign, has enabled the creation of an advanced research and treatment space in the —offering unprecedented learning and research opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers.
“We are incredibly thankful to Paris Orthotics Ltd. for this remarkable contribution,” says Dr. Brenda Merritt, dean of the Faculty of Health.
“This donation represents so much more than equipment—it’s an investment in our students, in innovation, and in the health and well-being of our communities. Thanks to Paris Orthotics, our students now have access to the tools and experiences that will prepare them to lead and make a meaningful difference in the world.”
Brenda Merritt, dean, Faculty of Health
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Paris Orthotics Ltd. is one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of custom foot orthoses. The company has long supported biomechanics education and research.
“My family and I are honoured to partner with one of Canada’s preeminent universities.” says Paul Paris, president & CEO of Paris Orthotics Ltd. “We are excited to see the positive outcomes that will emerge from this donation. We have great confidence in Dr. Laurene Rehman and her Faculty’s ability to inspire their students to explore and expand the biomechanics knowledge base and help drive innovation.”
The donation includes a 10-camera Qualisys Motion Capture system, which tracks human movement in three dimensions, and an AMTI force platform for analyzing ground reaction forces. Together, these advanced tools are supporting cutting-edge research in lower extremity biomechanics and footwear science, while also offering invaluable hands-on training for both undergraduate and graduate students.
One of the new tools that is enhancing kinesiology research and education at Dal (photo: Nick Pearce)
ʹڲapp recently showcased the equipment during a Kinesiology Lab Crawl, where students, alumni, and faculty came together to explore the new space and experience the powerful potential of the technology. The event highlighted not only the technical capabilities of the equipment, but also the community-building and educational spirit it has inspired.
Faculty members Dr. Jefferey Zahavich and Dr. Christopher MacLean shared their appreciation and excitement.
“This gift is already changing how we teach, learn, and provide care,” they said. “We’re deeply thankful to Paris Orthotics for empowering us to offer such high-quality, hands-on learning and to enhance the support we can provide to our student-athletes.”
Since its arrival in late February, the equipment has already been used in student-led research, including an honours thesis exploring jumping dynamics in individuals with lateral ankle sprains. The positive impact of this donation is already being felt—and will continue to grow for years to come.