How are ForceDecks Metrics Derived?
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, namely:
- 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 metrics, such as:
- Body Mass (BM)
- Impulse (Imp)
- Acceleration (a)
- Velocity (v)
- Power (P)
- Change in Displacement (S)
ForceDecks records raw time-series data for each of these metrics, which in turn are used to derive key movement phases and timepoints including (but not limited to):
- Start of movement;
- Eccentric phase;
- Braking phase;
- Deceleration phase;
- Concentric phase;
- Take-off;
- Landing; and
- End of movement.
Finally, these metrics, timepoints and phases are used to calculate key results which can be viewed, reported on, exported or tracked over time.
Practitioners may use these results to make decisions on an athlete’s or client’s training, performance, readiness or rehabilitation, among other applications.