Understanding Landmarks and Phases in ForceDecks

ForceDecks provides a host of information on a range of metrics, all of which are derived from simple underlying measurements. 

At a fundamental level, all force plates measure two things directly:

  • Force (F) ; and
  • Time (t)
From these two measurements and the known acceleration of Gravity (g), ForceDecks uses Forward Dynamics and Newton’s Laws to calculate a host of other derivatives. 

In the ForceDecks Raw Data view, the derivatives are color-coded to assist with readability. Derivatives can be displayed or hidden as required, by clicking on the derivative name underneath the graph.

ForceDecks records raw time-series data for each of these derivatives, which in turn are used to identify key movement landmarks and phases such as:

Landmark examples:
  • Start of movement (SoM)
  • Start of max RFD (rate of force development) Start of max RFD (rate of force development)
  • Take-off
  • Landing
  • End of Movement
Phase examples:
  • Eccentric phase
  • Braking phase
  • Deceleration phase
  • Concentric phase.
In the ForceDecks Raw Data view, landmarks are labelled and phases are shaded to assist with readability.  Landmarks can be displayed or hidden as required, by clicking on the term 'Labels' underneath the graph.