Force plate performance and injury profiling
Force plate testing provides clear, objective information about how your body produces and absorbs force, how evenly you load between limbs, and how you perform under different testing conditions. It gives measurable data that can help guide training, rehabilitation, performance, and physical function.
This can be useful for a wide range of people — from athletes wanting to improve performance, to those dealing with a persistent injury, through to older adults who may be more vulnerable to balance issues or falls.
Force plate profiling can assess qualities such as jump performance, limb symmetry, reactive strength, force production, landing mechanics, balance, and movement strategy. The results are interpreted in the context of your background, current needs, and goals, then used to guide clear and practical next steps.
who is it for
Force plate testing is suited to a wide range of individuals, including athletes wanting to improve performance, recreational exercisers looking to better understand their physical capacity, people returning from injury who need clearer guidance around progress, and older adults wanting to monitor strength, balance, and lower limb function over time. It is particularly useful for anyone who wants objective information to help guide training, rehabilitation, and physical performance decisions.
How It Works
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Initial Briefing — Before testing begins, a conversation covers your goals, injury history, training background, and what decisions the data needs to inform.
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Standardised Testing Battery — Testing protocols are selected based on your profile and goals. These may include countermovement jump, squat jump, drop jump, isometric mid-thigh pull, or single-leg assessments.
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Data Collection and Analysis — Force-time data is recorded and analysed in real time, capturing metrics such as peak force, power output, limb symmetry index, reactive strength index, rate of force development, balance, and sit-to-stand performance.
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Results Interpretation — Data is interpreted in the context of your sport, goals, and physical history. This is not a report handed to you without context — results are explained clearly and practically.
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Recommendations and Next Steps — Testing outcomes are translated into clear training priorities, whether that is addressing an asymmetry, adjusting loading strategy, informing a return-to-sport timeline, or identifying a baseline for future comparison.
frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an elite athlete to benefit from force plate testing?
No. Force plate testing provides value at every level — from elite athletes to general population clients returning to exercise after injury. The interpretation is simply adjusted to reflect your context and goals.
How long does a testing session take?
A standard testing session usually takes between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of tests being completed. This includes the initial briefing, the testing itself, and a discussion of the results.
Can force plate data be shared with my physiotherapist or medical team?
Yes. A written summary of test findings can be provided for sharing with other members of your healthcare or performance team.
How often should testing be repeated?
This depends on your goals. For athletes, repeat testing every six to twelve weeks provides useful monitoring data. For return-to-sport cases, testing intervals are guided by clinical progression and agreed with your wider support team, e.g. physiotherapist
What do I need to do to prepare for testing?
Arrive well-rested, adequately fuelled, and wearing appropriate training footwear. Avoid heavy training in the 24 hours before your session.