PONI Lab
@ponilabresearch.bsky.social
Welcome to the official Pediatric Onset of Neuromotor Impairments (PONI) Lab page!
Principal Investigator: Dr. Elizabeth G. Condliffe
Contact: (403) 955-5528
Location: Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, AB
Principal Investigator: Dr. Elizabeth G. Condliffe
Contact: (403) 955-5528
Location: Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, AB
🔬🌐 Communicating science with impact! On Oct 29, HBI & Tanenbaum hosted the 7th Open Science in Action Symposium. PONI Lab’s Erin, Jess & Amanda shared their work, with Amanda helping organize. A great step toward a more open, inclusive research future. Until next year!
November 14, 2025 at 7:38 PM
🔬🌐 Communicating science with impact! On Oct 29, HBI & Tanenbaum hosted the 7th Open Science in Action Symposium. PONI Lab’s Erin, Jess & Amanda shared their work, with Amanda helping organize. A great step toward a more open, inclusive research future. Until next year!
📣We’re hiring! We’re seeking an organized, motivated, and personable individual to join our team as a Research Assistant. They’ll be working alongside our diverse team with a chance to advance projects and interact with research participants.
Apply here:
internal.careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/1700817...
Apply here:
internal.careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/1700817...
November 10, 2025 at 8:57 PM
📣We’re hiring! We’re seeking an organized, motivated, and personable individual to join our team as a Research Assistant. They’ll be working alongside our diverse team with a chance to advance projects and interact with research participants.
Apply here:
internal.careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/1700817...
Apply here:
internal.careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/1700817...
Wrapping up our AACPDM series is a poster on a PONI robotic walking study led by Alicia Hilderley (UCalgary). It explores how overground robotic walkers affect kids with mobility impairments — long-term use may boost functional ability and activity. Check it out below!
November 7, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Wrapping up our AACPDM series is a poster on a PONI robotic walking study led by Alicia Hilderley (UCalgary). It explores how overground robotic walkers affect kids with mobility impairments — long-term use may boost functional ability and activity. Check it out below!
📊 Poster power: Jessica, a PhD candidate in the PONI Lab, presented at AACPDM on the impact of robotic-assisted walking on kids with mobility impairments. Check out her poster for more details!
November 7, 2025 at 10:39 PM
📊 Poster power: Jessica, a PhD candidate in the PONI Lab, presented at AACPDM on the impact of robotic-assisted walking on kids with mobility impairments. Check out her poster for more details!
🗓️ Last Saturday, we went to the CP Kids and Families Neuromotor Resource Expo and shared our work with the Trexo, power training, and the Agilik. 🎤Dr. Condliffe and some of our other lab members were interviewed on CTV News and Radio-Canada:
www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
www.msn.com/fr-ca/actual...
www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
www.msn.com/fr-ca/actual...
November 4, 2025 at 10:23 PM
🗓️ Last Saturday, we went to the CP Kids and Families Neuromotor Resource Expo and shared our work with the Trexo, power training, and the Agilik. 🎤Dr. Condliffe and some of our other lab members were interviewed on CTV News and Radio-Canada:
www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
www.msn.com/fr-ca/actual...
www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
www.msn.com/fr-ca/actual...
🎉 Join us Sat, Nov 1 at the one-day, family-friendly CP Kids & Families Neuromotor Resource Expo in Calgary! Discover expert guidance, assistive tech, inclusive programs & support for kids & young adults with neuromotor disabilities. Register via the link below.
October 27, 2025 at 7:08 PM
🎉 Join us Sat, Nov 1 at the one-day, family-friendly CP Kids & Families Neuromotor Resource Expo in Calgary! Discover expert guidance, assistive tech, inclusive programs & support for kids & young adults with neuromotor disabilities. Register via the link below.
One of our lab members, kinesiologist Christa, just got back from AACPDM’s annual meeting in New Orleans.📍She presented on implementing robotic walking for kids in schools, showing participants achieved their goals and implementation of this kind of activity may be feasible. Check out her poster!📊
October 20, 2025 at 6:56 PM
One of our lab members, kinesiologist Christa, just got back from AACPDM’s annual meeting in New Orleans.📍She presented on implementing robotic walking for kids in schools, showing participants achieved their goals and implementation of this kind of activity may be feasible. Check out her poster!📊
Kids and teens (3–18) can join a fun motion capture study comparing marker-based vs markerless tech while schools are closed- help science, learn about movement, and earn volunteer hours. Email poni.lab@ucalgary.ca to book a 30-min session!
October 10, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Kids and teens (3–18) can join a fun motion capture study comparing marker-based vs markerless tech while schools are closed- help science, learn about movement, and earn volunteer hours. Email poni.lab@ucalgary.ca to book a 30-min session!
We often think of cerebral palsy as a condition that affects children… but it affects adults too!
📖We've created a quick resource to increase understanding about adults with CP among the medical community. Let us know what you think!
www.cmaj.ca/content/197/...
📖We've created a quick resource to increase understanding about adults with CP among the medical community. Let us know what you think!
www.cmaj.ca/content/197/...
October 6, 2025 at 5:03 PM
We often think of cerebral palsy as a condition that affects children… but it affects adults too!
📖We've created a quick resource to increase understanding about adults with CP among the medical community. Let us know what you think!
www.cmaj.ca/content/197/...
📖We've created a quick resource to increase understanding about adults with CP among the medical community. Let us know what you think!
www.cmaj.ca/content/197/...
PONI Lab is launching a new study using the Agilik, a powered lower body orthosis that can assist or resist knee movement as a person walks, to explore how training with it might affect mobility and well-being. Email poni.lab@ucalgary.ca to learn more about the study and your eligibility!
September 29, 2025 at 6:47 PM
PONI Lab is launching a new study using the Agilik, a powered lower body orthosis that can assist or resist knee movement as a person walks, to explore how training with it might affect mobility and well-being. Email poni.lab@ucalgary.ca to learn more about the study and your eligibility!
🧠 🏔️ PONI Lab got their steps in and synapses firing at Neurohike last weekend in Kananaskis! Simon shared results of our Power Training study, while Markus and Elizabeth presented our work on Robotic Walking. Thanks to all those who made it a fun, educational weekend. Until next year! #Neurohike2025
September 26, 2025 at 5:58 PM
🧠 🏔️ PONI Lab got their steps in and synapses firing at Neurohike last weekend in Kananaskis! Simon shared results of our Power Training study, while Markus and Elizabeth presented our work on Robotic Walking. Thanks to all those who made it a fun, educational weekend. Until next year! #Neurohike2025
🚀Meet the Team! Welcome Janelle Gerich, an undergrad UofC neuroscience student. She is excited to contribute to the Resistance Intensive Personal Training (RIPT) project by analyzing patient-reported outcomes. In her free time, Janelle loves hiking, snowboarding, and taking trips with her dog!
September 22, 2025 at 7:40 PM
🚀Meet the Team! Welcome Janelle Gerich, an undergrad UofC neuroscience student. She is excited to contribute to the Resistance Intensive Personal Training (RIPT) project by analyzing patient-reported outcomes. In her free time, Janelle loves hiking, snowboarding, and taking trips with her dog!
In a recent interview, one of our participant’s parents shared how robotic walking has changed her life – giving her the ability to walk beside her daughter, hand in hand. It’s more than mobility. It’s connection, independence, and moments that matter.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
September 12, 2025 at 4:42 PM
In a recent interview, one of our participant’s parents shared how robotic walking has changed her life – giving her the ability to walk beside her daughter, hand in hand. It’s more than mobility. It’s connection, independence, and moments that matter.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
🧠✨ PONI Lab in the spotlight!
Dr. Elizabeth Condliffe recently joined the Calgary Eyeopener to share how robotic walking is changing lives for kids with mobility challenges.
UPLIFTS, is bringing Trexos to local schools—making movement more accessible, more often.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZHe...
Dr. Elizabeth Condliffe recently joined the Calgary Eyeopener to share how robotic walking is changing lives for kids with mobility challenges.
UPLIFTS, is bringing Trexos to local schools—making movement more accessible, more often.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZHe...
September 9, 2025 at 3:58 PM
🧠✨ PONI Lab in the spotlight!
Dr. Elizabeth Condliffe recently joined the Calgary Eyeopener to share how robotic walking is changing lives for kids with mobility challenges.
UPLIFTS, is bringing Trexos to local schools—making movement more accessible, more often.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZHe...
Dr. Elizabeth Condliffe recently joined the Calgary Eyeopener to share how robotic walking is changing lives for kids with mobility challenges.
UPLIFTS, is bringing Trexos to local schools—making movement more accessible, more often.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZHe...
We’re thrilled to share that our team has received generous support from the Owerko Centre to launch a new program exploring robotic walking devices in schools.
www.ucalgary.ca/news/owerko-...
www.ucalgary.ca/news/owerko-...
September 5, 2025 at 5:01 PM
We’re thrilled to share that our team has received generous support from the Owerko Centre to launch a new program exploring robotic walking devices in schools.
www.ucalgary.ca/news/owerko-...
www.ucalgary.ca/news/owerko-...
🚨 Big changes are coming to disability funding in Alberta. The government is proposing a new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), which could impact how income support works for people with severe disabilities who are able to work.
August 29, 2025 at 3:53 PM
🚨 Big changes are coming to disability funding in Alberta. The government is proposing a new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), which could impact how income support works for people with severe disabilities who are able to work.
AACPDM brings together brilliant minds and bold ideas in cerebral palsy research and we’re always grateful to be part of it. From cutting-edge research to real-world feedback, it’s where clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience come together to shape the future of care
August 25, 2025 at 10:23 PM
AACPDM brings together brilliant minds and bold ideas in cerebral palsy research and we’re always grateful to be part of it. From cutting-edge research to real-world feedback, it’s where clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience come together to shape the future of care
Reposted by PONI Lab
The Caregiver Advisory Council grounds research and policy priorities in the realities families face every day.
Caregiver council formed to identify disability research and policy priorities | Kids Brain Health Network - Réseau pour la santé du cerveau des enfants
The University of Calgary’s Alliance for Disability Voices, Advocacy, and National Community Empowerment (ADVANCE) Network has launched a national Caregiver Advisory Council to ensure research…
kidsbrainhealth.ca
August 25, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The Caregiver Advisory Council grounds research and policy priorities in the realities families face every day.
🧠💬 Calling Alberta Teens!
Do you have a neurodevelopmental disability? Our amazing friends Dr. Katie Birnie & Dr. Melanie Noel are looking for youth voices to help shape the future of healthcare.
Email them or scan the QR code to get involved and make a difference!
#PartneringForPain
Do you have a neurodevelopmental disability? Our amazing friends Dr. Katie Birnie & Dr. Melanie Noel are looking for youth voices to help shape the future of healthcare.
Email them or scan the QR code to get involved and make a difference!
#PartneringForPain
August 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM
🧠💬 Calling Alberta Teens!
Do you have a neurodevelopmental disability? Our amazing friends Dr. Katie Birnie & Dr. Melanie Noel are looking for youth voices to help shape the future of healthcare.
Email them or scan the QR code to get involved and make a difference!
#PartneringForPain
Do you have a neurodevelopmental disability? Our amazing friends Dr. Katie Birnie & Dr. Melanie Noel are looking for youth voices to help shape the future of healthcare.
Email them or scan the QR code to get involved and make a difference!
#PartneringForPain
🥍🥊 Looking for something exciting this September?
Check out Adapted Boxing and Inclusive Lacrosse—offered by Lacrossing Barriers and Olympus Boxing Club!
These programs are a fantastic opportunity for children to try a new sport in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Check out Adapted Boxing and Inclusive Lacrosse—offered by Lacrossing Barriers and Olympus Boxing Club!
These programs are a fantastic opportunity for children to try a new sport in a welcoming, supportive environment.
August 19, 2025 at 6:33 PM
🥍🥊 Looking for something exciting this September?
Check out Adapted Boxing and Inclusive Lacrosse—offered by Lacrossing Barriers and Olympus Boxing Club!
These programs are a fantastic opportunity for children to try a new sport in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Check out Adapted Boxing and Inclusive Lacrosse—offered by Lacrossing Barriers and Olympus Boxing Club!
These programs are a fantastic opportunity for children to try a new sport in a welcoming, supportive environment.
📸 Flashback Friday vibes!
Remember when Alex snagged that 2nd place trophy at the Lifeshots Photo Contest? 🏆 That moment still gives us chills!
Tag us and show us what you’ve got! #LifeshotsContest #PhotoMagic
Remember when Alex snagged that 2nd place trophy at the Lifeshots Photo Contest? 🏆 That moment still gives us chills!
Tag us and show us what you’ve got! #LifeshotsContest #PhotoMagic
![[image description: A taped-on banner reads “Remember when Alex took home 2nd at the Lifeshots Photo Contest”. There is a polaroid photo of Alex walking in a green Trexo and walking a yellow lab. The caption of the photo reads “Me and my dog, Kasper. This was the very first time I was able to walk my dog independently! Thanks to Trexo Robotics and the PONI Lab for making it possible.” There is a bright yellow 2nd place medallion and a cartoon scrap book on the left side of the post.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:dg4ufhszf4xyinisfidmi6nc/bafkreiefcwunk274qxdczfiqbsmmq5nuweucma4o4fqlk5xy4oyufzwe54@jpeg)
August 15, 2025 at 6:43 PM
📸 Flashback Friday vibes!
Remember when Alex snagged that 2nd place trophy at the Lifeshots Photo Contest? 🏆 That moment still gives us chills!
Tag us and show us what you’ve got! #LifeshotsContest #PhotoMagic
Remember when Alex snagged that 2nd place trophy at the Lifeshots Photo Contest? 🏆 That moment still gives us chills!
Tag us and show us what you’ve got! #LifeshotsContest #PhotoMagic
1/5
🧠💪 Big News in Mobility Research! 🚶♂️✨
We just dropped a groundbreaking study showing that robotic walking can boost physical activity in children and small adults with severe mobility impairments.
🧠💪 Big News in Mobility Research! 🚶♂️✨
We just dropped a groundbreaking study showing that robotic walking can boost physical activity in children and small adults with severe mobility impairments.
August 11, 2025 at 3:49 PM
1/5
🧠💪 Big News in Mobility Research! 🚶♂️✨
We just dropped a groundbreaking study showing that robotic walking can boost physical activity in children and small adults with severe mobility impairments.
🧠💪 Big News in Mobility Research! 🚶♂️✨
We just dropped a groundbreaking study showing that robotic walking can boost physical activity in children and small adults with severe mobility impairments.
🌟 Big news from the PONI Lab! 🌟
Our amazing patient partner, Henry, is the 2025 recipient of the Frank Gavin Patient Engagement Award! 🏆
We’re bursting with pride—congrats, Henry, and thank you for being a driving force in creating research that matters! 🙌
Our amazing patient partner, Henry, is the 2025 recipient of the Frank Gavin Patient Engagement Award! 🏆
We’re bursting with pride—congrats, Henry, and thank you for being a driving force in creating research that matters! 🙌
August 8, 2025 at 6:28 PM
🌟 Big news from the PONI Lab! 🌟
Our amazing patient partner, Henry, is the 2025 recipient of the Frank Gavin Patient Engagement Award! 🏆
We’re bursting with pride—congrats, Henry, and thank you for being a driving force in creating research that matters! 🙌
Our amazing patient partner, Henry, is the 2025 recipient of the Frank Gavin Patient Engagement Award! 🏆
We’re bursting with pride—congrats, Henry, and thank you for being a driving force in creating research that matters! 🙌
📸 Shutterbugs or shining stars—we want you in the frame!
It's the 13th Annual AACPDM LifeShots Photo Contest, and we're thrilled to celebrate the vibrant moments and milestones that define your journey.
It's the 13th Annual AACPDM LifeShots Photo Contest, and we're thrilled to celebrate the vibrant moments and milestones that define your journey.
August 5, 2025 at 4:04 PM
📸 Shutterbugs or shining stars—we want you in the frame!
It's the 13th Annual AACPDM LifeShots Photo Contest, and we're thrilled to celebrate the vibrant moments and milestones that define your journey.
It's the 13th Annual AACPDM LifeShots Photo Contest, and we're thrilled to celebrate the vibrant moments and milestones that define your journey.
Lacrossing barriers is hosting Adaptive Inclusive Rugby this fall!!
Saturday is rugby ball! Starting September 6th at the Calgary Rugby Union, join lacrossing barriers and the yyc adapted hub to join a fun and inclusive sport!
Saturday is rugby ball! Starting September 6th at the Calgary Rugby Union, join lacrossing barriers and the yyc adapted hub to join a fun and inclusive sport!
![[image description: The background of the post is pale yellow. The heading is light green with bold black lettering that reads “Adaptive Rugby is Back!! Head to the Calgary Rugby Union this September to play rugby. All skill levels and ability levels are welcome!”. An image in the centre of the post has a white background, the upper left corner is the Calgary rugby union’s logo, the top right has the Calgary adapted hub’s logo. The image says “It’s Back, Adapted Inclusive Rugby, Saturday AMS| In Calgary, Starts Sept. 6, 2025. www.lacrossingbarriers.org”. The bottom of the image has the Sport Calgary and the Lacrossing Barriers logos.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:dg4ufhszf4xyinisfidmi6nc/bafkreid4hjyzyrdrdmm2w7prcimvg3diow3lnp3gxnqodt7gqxjnyxzn4m@jpeg)
August 1, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Lacrossing barriers is hosting Adaptive Inclusive Rugby this fall!!
Saturday is rugby ball! Starting September 6th at the Calgary Rugby Union, join lacrossing barriers and the yyc adapted hub to join a fun and inclusive sport!
Saturday is rugby ball! Starting September 6th at the Calgary Rugby Union, join lacrossing barriers and the yyc adapted hub to join a fun and inclusive sport!