Force Plates: What Are They and What Are They Used For?
At first glance, you might see a pair of metal platforms on the floor that look a lot like heavy-duty bathroom scales. While they do tell you how much you weigh, they do much more than just that.
A force plate is a mechanical sensing system that measures ground reaction force. Every time you move, you interact with the ground. You push down, and the ground pushes back. This goes back to basic physics and Newton’s laws of motion. These plates measure that exchange of force with high precision. They capture data thousands of times per second.
Many kinesiologists (like me) and physical therapists rely on this equipment because the human eye has limits. We cannot see the subtle changes in weight distribution or force production that happen in milliseconds. The plates provide objective numbers on exactly how your body creates and absorbs force.
Finding Hidden Imbalances During Recovery
One of the main reasons to use force plates is to spot asymmetries. This is critical for anyone recovering from an injury, whether you are an athlete or just trying to get back to daily life without pain.
A good example would be if you are recovering from a knee surgery, ankle sprain, or a hip issue; the brain naturally protects that side. You might put 60 percent of your weight on your healthy leg during a simple movement. And you likely won't feel the difference because it often looks normal from the outside.
Force plates show that percentage instantly. This data guides the rehab process. It ensures the injured side is actually doing the work necessary to get strong again rather than relying on the healthy side to carry the load.
Measuring Performance and Fatigue
These tools also measure power and fatigue levels. A common test is the Countermovement Jump. You stand on the plates, squat down quickly, and jump as high as you can.
The system measures more than just jump height. It tells us how fast you create force. It tells us how much time is spent on the ground before takeoff.
This data helps drive specific training decisions:
If force is created slowly, the training needs to focus on reactive strength.
If the landing impact is too high, mechanics need to be adjusted to save the joints.
If output drops suddenly from one week to the next, the central nervous system might be fatigued.
Let’s Take the Guesswork Out of Training
Using force plates takes the guesswork out of programming. It stops the assumption that you are fully recovered and looks at the evidence instead.
This technology allows me to build a unique profile for every person who walks through my doors. We test, we train, and then we test again to see what changed. It keeps the process honest.
If you are working through an injury or just want to see how your body is performing, reach out to me, Maurice Harden. I can put you on the plates and show you the numbers in real time.