The Ultra Sports Clinic team is buzzing with excitement about our latest game-changing device, the ForceDecks. This innovative equipment, consisting of lightweight and portable force plates, provides objective data on strength and imbalances, transforming the game for both our clients and physiotherapists.
What sets the ForceDecks apart is that it was previously exclusive to laboratories and top sports teams. “We are incredibly excited about the ForceDecks,” says Ultra Sports Clinic Senior Physiotherapist Melissa Reynolds.
"In the past, force plate software only allowed for the collection and display of raw data and basic metrics. However, with ForceDecks software, you no longer require the expertise of a lab technician or complex tables. You can instantly interpret and communicate the progress to the client."
But that's just the beginning, according to Melissa. The ForceDecks app enables video recording and display during client testing. The footage and force plate data automatically sync, providing annotated segments that can be viewed with the clients. "This empowers our clients to better understand the processes they need to follow," adds Melissa.
The force plates cover a wide range of tests, including countermovement jumps, loaded countermovement jumps, single-leg jumps, drop jumps, single leg balance assessments, squat assessments, and isometric tests for shoulders, hamstrings and calves. ForceDecks is developed by Vald Health, a specialist in human movement technology.
One of its standout features is speed. A test can be completed in less than a minute, and results from multiple different movements can be viewed in quick succession. By speeding up the test process and displaying immediate results, professionals can swiftly identify strength and imbalance disparities, facilitating prompt treatment.
"What we love about this device is its ability to generate easy-to-interpret reports," Melissa explains. "You can customise reports to guide your next steps. You can quickly identify deficiencies in concentric, eccentric, and landing phases and determine the most effective exercises. Additionally, we can create user-friendly dashboards that our clients can easily comprehend."
The ForceDecks system also offers athlete monitoring over an extended period. Through longitudinal reporting, the physiotherapist can visualise multiple tests for individuals, leveraging historical data insights to make informed decisions about the future. Furthermore, relative feedback can be provided, automatically detecting and displaying movements relative to past tests.
"This equipment will have an immense impact," Melissa asserts. "Clients often believe their rehabilitation is complete once they are no longer experiencing pain, but this system demonstrates that there are many aspects to consider in the recovery process. Having real-time visibility of what still needs to be addressed will serve as additional motivation as we embark on this journey together."