Contents

1. Introduction
2. What are ForceDecks? 
3. What do ForceDecks measure? 
4. What range of tests can ForceDecks perform? 
5. How are ForceDecks metrics calculated?
6. Are ForceDecks validated?
7. How does ForceDecks’ reporting work?
8. Are there any other key features of the ForceDecks software?
9. Models and specifications
10. How can practitioners get ForceDecks?
11. How much do ForceDecks cost?
12. Wrapping Up

Introduction

Force plates are an essential tool in sports science and healthcare, providing invaluable insights into performance, injury risk management and rehabilitation.

Among the many options available to practitioners, VALD’s ForceDecks Dual Force Plate System is widely considered the world leader. Known for their precision, detailed data analysis and user-friendly interface, ForceDecks are trusted by thousands of teams and organisations worldwide, from the Premier League to the NFL, NBA to AFL, and more.

New to force plates and want to know more? VALD has published a free eBook to help professionals understand and incorporate them into their practice: the Practitioner’s Guide to Force Plates.

What are ForceDecks?

ForceDecks are dual force plates, combining advanced hardware and software in an easy-to-use system, designed to help practitioners collect and interpret objective measurements across various isometric, balance and dynamic tests.

Using precision load cell sensors, ForceDecks accurately capture forces exerted by an individual during a wide range of movements. The data is wirelessly transmitted to the ForceDecks app on iPhone or iPad and subsequently uploaded to VALD Hub, where it can be analysed and managed in a centralised platform.

This allows practitioners to measure neuromuscular performance from a wide range of dynamic and isometric tests, providing metrics for unilateral and bilateral limb performance and inter-limb asymmetries.

ForceDecks can be utilised in various aspects of patient or athlete care, including assessment, training, monitoring and rehabilitation, providing valuable insights for data-informed decision-making.

A look inside ForceDecks showing how each plate’s four load cell sensors are arranged to measure the force applied to the top of the plate.

What do ForceDecks measure?

At a fundamental level, ForceDecks – like all force plates – measure two simple inputs: force and time. From these inputs, a range of force derivates can be calculated, such as power, velocity, displacement, acceleration and impulse, providing a staggering range of outputs from a relatively simple raw data source (known as the force-time curve, shown below).

The three force traces displayed in the ForceDecks app represent left (blue), right (orange) and total (grey) force.

From the force data, ForceDecks automatically generates a range of force derivatives that would have previously needed to be calculated manually:

• The acceleration-time curve is derived using force = mass x acceleration
• The center of mass velocity is calculated by integrating acceleration over time
• The power-time curve is generated using power = force x velocity

Also, unlike many traditional force plates, ForceDecks is a dual plate system that captures detailed bilateral data, offering deeper insights into asymmetries and movement patterns.

ForceDecks can also pinpoint and track center of pressure (CoP) thanks to their ability to measure each sensor’s output individually.

ForceDecks read forces from each of their sensors independently – rather than simply summed into a global reading – allowing them to track CoP, which is critical for balance testing.

CoP metrics are calculated by analysing the point of application of the ground reaction force and assessing anterior-posterior and medial-lateral movement shifts in foot pressure. During balance tests, metrics such as total excursion, mean velocity and the area of the CoP ellipse are calculated.

Illustration of the CoP metrics calculated during balance testing.

Lower values generally indicate better postural control, while higher values can signal potential balance issues, which may be beneficial for injury prevention and performance optimisation.

What range of tests can ForceDecks perform?

ForceDecks are the most versatile commercially available force plates, capable of performing and automatically analysing over 30 different tests in four main categories:

Overview of key tests available with ForceDecks.

Each of these tests can be automatically and comprehensively analysed by ForceDecks thanks to the sophisticated software that powers them, providing insights into performance, fatigue, rehabilitation progress and balance.

ForceDecks’ Auto-Detect feature streamlines this process even further by automatically recognising and analysing movements without the need to pre-select the test type, enabling efficient and seamless testing sessions.

ForceDecks’ Auto-Detect feature in action, automatically detecting an IMTP followed by a CMJ (and subsequently, dynamic strength index) without requiring any user input.

How are ForceDecks metrics calculated?

ForceDecks uses hundreds of algorithms developed by leading biomechanists, sports scientists and researchers to convert raw data into actionable metrics.

ForceDecks automatically detects the start of movement and test type, enabling seamless identification and analysis of each repetition. By identifying key moments and phases of each movement, ForceDecks then calculates a multitude of metrics and displays them in real-time to the user. This means that users get comprehensive, actionable insights into performance, symmetry and movement quality that they can act upon immediately.

ForceDecks calculate hundreds of different metrics across dozens of tests, including:

• Peak Force
• Jump Height
• Asymmetry
• Rate of Force Development (RFD)
• Dynamic Strength Index (DSI)
• Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
   

Examples of common ForceDecks metrics, all calculated during the CMJ.

Are ForceDecks validated?

ForceDecks have been independently tested to ensure validity and reliability. An extensive validation study by Collings et al. (2023) demonstrated that ForceDecks provide precise and consistent measurements across various tests and conditions (1).

The study compared ForceDecks with gold-standard laboratory force plates and found less than 1% difference in over 200 metrics, with a mean bias of under 2.5N (and 0.1mm for CoP) across all analysed tests, showcasing their high measurement accuracy and reliability.

For more detailed insights and results from the validation study, check out a summary of the ForceDecks Validity and Reliability publication.

How does ForceDecks reporting work?

During testing, the ForceDecks app displays real-time force data, including time series graphs and force traces. Key metrics such as jump height, peak power, asymmetry and more are also displayed immediately after each rep, creating a powerful biofeedback loop.

Practitioners can customise these in-test results to show the metrics that matter most to them and their athletes.

ForceDecks app displaying instant, rep-by-rep results. 

After testing, the data is uploaded and saved in VALD Hub, the centralised platform that integrates all VALD systems and data. With a single sign-on (SSO) system, VALD Hub enables users to visualise, manage and analyse all their performance data all in one place.

An example of an athlete profile overview in VALD Hub.

From detailed individual athlete profiles to group monitoring dashboards, metric-specific reports and raw data, VALD Hub provides practitioners with a range of data visualisation options to suit their needs.

VALD Hub’s customisable group monitoring and benchmarking dashboards show a team’s status and/or performance at a glance.

A unique feature of VALD Hub is its ability to add valuable context to this data using integrated Norms. Norms provide robust reference points based on millions of data points, enhancing the understanding of an athlete’s or patient’s performance.

Norms are available for almost all ForceDecks tests, metrics, age groups and genders and are conveniently overlaid on individual profiles. This allows users to track progress over time, compare an individual’s results with relevant peers and confidently answer a commonly asked question from athletes: “Was that result good?”

ForceDecks Norms (normative data) integrated into VALD Hub.

Are there any other key features of the ForceDecks software?

One of the standout features of ForceDecks software is ForceDecks Vision.

This proprietary feature of ForceDecks allows users to record video and force plate data simultaneously, which is automatically time-synced and annotated with key landmarks, providing real-time feedback to athletes and making it easy for them to understand key phases of their movements.

ForceDecks Vision in action – real-time video and force plate data automatically time-synced and annotated.

Models and Specifications

ForceDecks are available in three models, suited for different needs. All ForceDecks models feature industry-standard 1,000 Hz sampling rates, wireless connectivity and use the same powerful, intuitive ForceDecks app.

Not sure which is right for you? Check out VALD’s Buyer’s Guide to Force Plates.

Key specifications for each model are listed here:

Want to know more? Check out the full ForceDecks specifications.

How can practitioners get ForceDecks?

Practitioners can subscribe to ForceDecks by getting in touch with the VALD team. You will be linked with a Business Development Manager (BDM) – most of whom are performance and/or health practitioners themselves – to provide a quote and answer any questions you may have.

VALD’s team provides personalised support and expert guidance throughout your onboarding and implementation process, as well as ongoing learning and development. The VALD team prides themselves on respecting clients’ decisions and ensuring you derive maximum value from your ForceDecks.

How much do ForceDecks cost?

VALD operates on a subscription-based pricing model that ensures continuous access to innovations, comprehensive support and all-inclusive pricing with no hidden costs. This model includes unlimited software updates, feature releases and a comprehensive warranty covering repairs at no additional cost.

To explore all the details and benefits of our pricing model, read more here.

Conslusion

ForceDecks are a world-leading, field-based force plate technology trusted by thousands of performance organisations globally, including the Premier League, NFL, NBA and more. ForceDecks provide unparalleled precision, detailed data analysis and ease of use.

ForceDecks help enhance practitioners’ understanding and application of biomechanics and performance, regardless of the setting. Backed by VALD’s global team of experienced professionals, practitioners are supported to make data-informed decisions for training, injury risk management and rehabilitation.

To learn more about ForceDecks, get in touch with VALD via email or on social media: X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

The post ForceDecks: A Dual Force Plate System by VALD appeared first on Science for Sport.