Force Platform Flashcards
What is a force platform? What are its specifications.
Instrument that measures ground reaction forces
Has a load cell in each of 4 corners, which are sensitive to forces along X Y Z axis (made of piezo electric or strain gauge components)
Bolted to concrete or portable baseplate
Measures forces 10-10,000N
Accurate to 2% of measuring range used
High natural frequency of >200hz
What are the variables measured on a force platform?
Fx, Fy, Fz (reaction force along co-ordinate axes)
My (friction torque about vertical axis)
Ax, Ay, (coordinates identifying point of force application or CoP)
What are the typical outcomes for force platform? Assuming Vy = 0 and Vy not = 0. Draw the graph.
When Vy = 0, W + Fg = 0 hence force platform is measuring weight
When Vy not = 0, e.g. Running
Fx (lateral) > extreme variability
Fy (horizontal) > biphasic
Fz (vertical) > double peak, especially for heel strikers
What is the outcomes measured when Vy = >0? Briefly describe the outcome measured.
Ground reaction force, usually expressed in BW to enable within subject (given moment) and between subject comparisons and within subjects over time
What are the mainstream GRF variables measured for running especially?
Impact Active Braking Propulsive Loading Rate Impulse
What are the applications for the research done with regards to GRF variables and running?
Tibial stress fractures > due to increase in dynamic loading related variables
What are the mainstream GRF variables measured for jumping especially?
Rate of force development (RFD) Fz Flight time CoM height Elasticity index Relative Strength Index
What does RFD measure? How is it calculated.
Measure of explosiveness, observed in Stretching-Shortening Cycles
Force / time
Two options: Force can be peak in 20ms windows or any time sampling interval windows 0-100, 0-250 etc.
What are the differences between the 3 types of jumps usually measured?
Squat jump (no SSC) Counter movement jump (long SSC, >250ms) - Elasticity Index Drop jump (short SSC, <250ms) - Reactivity Strength Index
Can be measured by iphone apps like My Jump 2
Briefly describe the Squat Jump and the variables it measures
Concentric muscle activation
1/2 squat position (90deg knees flex), trunk erect and hands at waist
No countermovement > prevent elastic energy storage
Complete extension of legs at takeoff and landing
Through elevation (flight time & formula) > get capability of inferior limbs to produce explosive force
Briefly describe the Counter Movement Jump and the variables it measures
Concentric contraction to the movement inversion
Start with legs extended, then go to 1/2 squad position. Trunk erect.
Jumping action performed with strengthening and shortening of elastic element of muscle (limited as extensors only activated during inversion)
How is Elasticity Index calculated
[(CMJ-SJ)/SJ] x 100
Briefly describe the Drop Jump and the variables it measures
Performing vertical jump after drop from predetermined heights at maximum speed after landing impact
Strong intervention of stretching reflex
How do we determine power from the GRF variables? What variables are needed and what can we calculate?
Power Peak and Power Mean can be estimated.
Variables needed: Vertical jump height (CoM Height in cm), Subject Height (cm), Subject Weight (kg),
Does vertical jump differ between athlete groups?
VJ was higher for sprinters and long jumpers compared to soccer, tennis & endurance athletes
Endurance athletes lowest VJ but RSI similar to soccer and tennis