Force Plate Testing

What Are Force Plates?

Force plates measure ground reaction forces during various movements like squatting, jumping, and landing. The plates are similar to a scale but with sensors that provide real-time measurements of many metrics such as force, velocity, power, acceleration, deceleration, and asymmetries. Essentially looking at how hard and how quickly you can generate force.

What do force plates measure?

Force plates gather more comprehensive data than can be seen by the naked eye. They measure:

• Maximum Strength: your ability to exert force against an external load similar to testing a 1 rep max squat or deadlift

• Power: your ability to generate forces as fast as possible AKA explosiveness

• Reactive Strength: your ability to rapidly absorb and produce force, agility, stability, and balance

• Asymmetries between your right and left sides

Ideally, you have a balance of max strength, power, and reactive strength. If you are lacking in one area or have any asymmetries, that can help guide your rehab or training program.

The data obtained can be compared to normative data of the same age, gender, and sport as well as compared to any pre-injury screening to determine if you have made a full recovery.

What tests are performed?

We’ll determine what tests to perform based on your goals. Some of the most common are:

• Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (IMTP): testing max strength, testing how much force

• Countermovement Jump (CMJ): testing explosive strength

• Squat Jump (SJ): testing explosive strength from a static position

• Repeated Hop Test: reactive ability

• Single Leg Balance

• Upper Body Isometrics

How does the data inform rehab, training, and programming?

• Rehab

We can use the data to enhance your rehab by personalizing your exercise program to improve any weaknesses and asymmetries found that will not only progress your plan of care but also decrease future injuries. If you are currently in physical therapy, you can get force plate testing done (as long as you are cleared for impact exercise) and then the results can be shared with your PT.

• Return to Sport

Testing can help determine your readiness and preparedness for return to sport. Data can be compared to peers of the same age, gender, and sport to make sure you are on track to return without the risk of re-injury.

• Training & Programming

The information allows personalized recommendations and advice for your training program to elevate your sports performance. Any areas of improvement or asymmetries found can be addressed

Who can benefit from force plate testing?

• Anyone looking to understand their strengths and weaknesses and use objective data to improve their health, fitness, and performance.

• Injured individuals who want to find and address imbalances to guide the rehab and return to sports process to decrease the chance of future injury

• Youth athletes

• Athletes looking to improve sports performance, train more effectively

• Older adults wanting to improve strength and balance to increase resiliency and longevity

• Coaches and physical therapists to help guide your rehab and training programs based on data.

• Sports teams to develop baseline testing for your athletes and determine injury risk profiles