History
The Institute of Motion Analysis and Research (IMAR) is one of the leading biomechanics and motion analysis facilities worldwide. It has existed in some shape or form since the 1980s with the University of Dundee’s Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Department being at the forefront in the use of motion capture by clinicians and researchers for more than 30 years.
IMAR’s founder and current Director, Professor Rami Abboud, has worked in the field of motion analysis since 1988 and has overseen a number of ground-breaking developments starting with the establishment of the Foot Pressure Analysis Clinic and Laboratory in 1993 and subsequently IMAR in 2003 by acquiring the Gait Analysis Laboratory from Tayside NHS Hospitals.
Over the last decade IMAR has acquired an unrivalled array of high-tech equipment which is used for biomechanical research, clinical work and sports performance. Over this time IMAR has also recruited a highly skilful and dedicated team of experts which has allowed it to develop into one of the world leaders in motion analysis, research and clinical consultancy services.
A 32 metre long sports biomechanics laboratory was added in January 2007. This superb lab was added to compliment the other four laboratories and facilities and to focus specifically on sports-related biomechanics research and assessment.
One of IMAR’s greatest strengths lies in the reliability, longevity and evolving expertise of its dedicated team. The vast majority of employees at the Institute have been with us for over 15 years and continue to break new ground clinically and in the field of research.
In recognition of his dedication towards teaching, training and research in Orthopaedics and Biomechanics, Professor Rami Abboud was awarded an Honorary Fellowship (FRCS) from the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) of England in January 2012. This Fellowship is the highest recognition that the RCS (Eng) can award and can only be awarded to a maximum of up to 30 living non-medically qualified individuals at any one time. Professor Abboud's vast expertise in foot and ankle biomechanics and clinical research led to his appointment as Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious “The Foot” journal in January 2013.
IMAR was privileged to have had one of the leading Gait Analysts in Europe in Dr Sheila Gibbs who had over 20 years of experience in clinical gait analysis. In March 2012, Sheila was elected Chair of the Clinical Movement Analysis Society (CMAS). Sheila retired from her post in 2018.
We are also fortunate in having an extremely gifted Technical Manager in Dr Graham Arnold who completed his PhD in 2011 developing a unique three-dimensional force system for 3D foot pressure measurement (patent 1109423.2). Along with the other valued members of the team, there is over 100 years of combined experience, which is complimented by the close association with our NHS colleagues, orthopaedic surgeons as well as bioengineers and allied health professionals at the Tayside Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Technology (TORT) Centre.
It’s never a positive pastime dwelling on past achievements, no matter how ground-breaking and life changing they are. It is more important to use these experiences and improve upon them, to look ahead and strive to continue contributing to a highly respected centre of excellence. We are making history and not living on past history, why don’t you join our institute, learning from our team and be part of our history.
