Applying Force Plate Technology to Inform Human Performance Programming in Tactical Populations

Abstract

Force plate assessments, such as countermovement jumps and isometric mid-thigh pulls, examine performances (e.g., jump height, force, power) and movement strategies (e.g., asymmetries, durations), and are best suited to characterize and monitor physical capabilities, not predict injuries. To begin applying force plate technologies, users must first; (1) develop a data management plan to visualize and capture data over time; (2) select appropriate force plates for their scenario; (3) design appropriate testing protocols to ensure valid and reliable data. Force plate assessments may be added to existing testing, serve as separate testing batteries for annual profile testing to compare individuals and understand initial physical capabilities, or for more frequent testing (i.e., monthly or weekly) to monitor training-related adaptations or neuromuscular fatigue. Although these assessments inform evidence-based program designs, human performance practitioners must understand the considerations for conducting appropriate force plate testing, as well as proper visualizations and management of force plate data. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide evidence-based practices for utilizing force plates in tactical populations (e.g., military, firefighters, police). This includes best practices to implement testing for performance profiling, training adaptations, and monitoring neuromuscular fatigue and force asymmetries. Of note, due to the large amount of force-time metrics to choose from, this article provides general examples of important metrics to monitor and training recommendations based on changes to these force-time metrics, followed by specific examples in three case studies.

Impact of a 5-Week Individualised Training Program on Physical Performance and Measures Associated with Musculoskeletal Injury Risk in Army Personnel: A Pilot Study

“…In addition, visually apparent (non-statistical) changes were observed for the two-leg CMJ jump profiles for each group. Force plate and computerised systems include visual profiles to guide practitioners’ identification of individual’s weaknesses that require address through physical training [ 15 ]. In the current study, EXP exhibited a high-drive (CVI) and low-explode (ACF) profile at Week 0 that became more even (i.e., similar load, explode and drive scores) by Week 6 ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…Pre-screening assessments, which aim to identify MSKI risk factors, are essential to inform the development and implementation of appropriate injury prevention programs [ 5 , 7 , 14 ]. The use of force plates [ 15 , 16 , 17 ] and computerised systems in the prevention of MSKI have been of interest recently in both sporting and military settings [ 1 , 15 , 18 ] with these technologies reported to be more reliable than traditional testing methods (e.g., Vertec jump test) in clarifying performance and identifying injury risk within a military setting [ 19 , 20 ]. One such system utilises a countermovement jump (CMJ) performance via force plates and proprietary software to identify imbalances that may exist (i.e., Sparta Science) [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

Countermovement Jump Force-Time Curve Analyses: Reliability and Comparability Across Force Plate Systems

“…Countermovement jump (CMJ) variations are most commonly implemented because they are familiar movements, simple and quick to administer, yield low injury risk, exhibit good reliability (4)(5)(6)27,29), and are ecologically valid for many sport and occupational environments (3,14,32,37,40). The tests are generally used as measures of maximal lower-body power output, countermovement strategies, and asymmetries for monitoring neuromuscular performance adaptation or maladaptation (29).…”

Analyzing Force-Time Curves: Comparison of Commercially Available Automated Software and Custom MATLAB Analyses

“…Human performance scientists and practitioners routinely assess maximal muscular strength and power capabilities (26) to determine relative levels of preparedness to perform (e.g., occupational or sporting tasks) or neuromuscular fatigue and overuse injury risk (1,34). Force-time curves (i.e., time domain force data) from vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs) of various exercises (e.g., jumping and isometric tests) are used to evaluate and monitor neuromuscular performances (1,5,46) because they are relatively simple to administer, time efficient, low injury risk, and reliable under appropriate testing procedures (3,4,6,32,34). Countermovement jump testing demonstrates content and face validity according to associations with occupational (i.e., military) and sport performances (22,25,37), power output (45), resiliency to fatigue (18,42,46), and injury risk (38).…”