The VALD Practitioner’s Guide to Force Plates is a comprehensive, practitioner‑focused manual that explains how to integrate force‑plate technology—particularly the ForceDecks system—into everyday clinical practice. It begins with introductory remarks from the inventors and endorsements from leading clinicians, then outlines the industry shift from subjective to objective, criteria‑based assessment. The guide demystifies force‑plate fundamentals (hardware, GRF, CoP, force‑time curves) and translates raw data into clinically meaningful metrics (peak force, asymmetry, RFD, RSI, etc.). It details clinical applications across injury rehabilitation, injury‑risk management, high‑performance sport, and chronic/degenerative conditions, providing case examples for common pathologies (ankle sprain, ACL reconstruction, shoulder injury, joint replacement, aging, neurological disease). A taxonomy of test types (jumps, isometrics, functional movements, balance) is presented with guidance on selecting appropriate tests, interpreting results, and integrating them into treatment planning. Practical sections cover workflow optimisation, reporting, dashboards, patient engagement, business‑level considerations (ROI, new services, referral enhancement), purchasing criteria (who, what, where, budget), and appendices with golden testing rules. The final appendix outlines concrete “Golden Rules of Testing,” emphasizing the need for a solid, flat testing environment, consistent zeroing and patient weighing, standardized protocols and cues, and enforced quiet periods between repetitions to ensure reliable, actionable data. Throughout, the tone is instructional and supportive, aiming to lower barriers for clinicians with limited prior exposure to force‑plate technology.
Topics
Inventors’ Vision & Guide Introduction
The inventors, Dr. Daniel Cohen and Dr. Phil Graham‑Smith, explain their motivation to bring ForceDecks out of the lab and into everyday clinics, and the guide’s purpose of giving practitioners the knowledge and confidence to use force‑plate technology without a biomechanics background.
Clinician Endorsements
Testimonials from leading practitioners (Mick Hughes, Mike Reinold, Peter Brem, Jo Clubb, Alex Natera) illustrate real‑world value: educating patients, tailoring programs, and boosting engagement with force‑plate data.
Force‑Plate Fundamentals & Key Metrics
Covers hardware basics (load cells, platform design), core concepts (ground‑reaction force, centre of pressure, force‑time curves) and translates raw data into clinically meaningful metrics such as peak force, rate of force development, RSI, asymmetry, time‑to‑stabilization, etc.
Test Taxonomy & Selection Guidance
Presents a catalogue of test types (CMJ, DJ, SLJ, IMTP, squat, push‑up, STS, balance, specialty tests), maps each to physical qualities (strength, power, asymmetry, balance), and provides a step‑by‑step process for choosing the right test based on patient goals and desired metrics.
Clinical Applications Across Domains
Shows how force‑plate data informs four major areas—injury rehabilitation, injury‑risk management, high‑performance sport, and chronic/degenerative conditions—using case examples for ankle sprain, ACL reconstruction, shoulder injury, joint replacement, aging, and neurological disease.
Workflow Optimization & Reporting
Details integration with VALD Hub, automatic data upload, customizable dashboards, tagging, and reporting templates that streamline notes, reduce administrative load, and improve data visibility for clinicians.
Service Development & Business Considerations
Explores strategies for new revenue streams—testing labs, performance services, occupational health, referral enhancement, patient engagement—and discusses ROI, marketing, and practice growth opportunities.
Purchasing Decision Framework
Provides a decision‑tree for selecting the appropriate plate (size, capacity, dual vs. single, CoP capability, portability) and budgeting guidance, including subscription pricing models and vendor considerations.