Many strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, sports medicine practitioners and physical therapists working in the cutting-edge of their fields rely on Bluetooth-powered, portable force plates to train and rehabilitate clients and patients. These versatile tools use piezoelectric elements, strain gauge cells or beam load cells to capture numerical data about ground reaction forces (GRFs). That data can be used to refine training and rehabilitation – which often results in better outcomes.
To meet the diverse needs of practitioners, the market is full of force plate models that vary in size and functionality. Most plates measure along one axis (single-axis force plates), but others measure along three axes (three-axis force plates). Choosing the right force plates for your coaching, training or physical therapy practice may seem daunting – but it doesn’t need to be. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.
An Overview of Single-Axis Force Plates
The majority of commercially available force plates are single axis (also known as uniaxial). These tools measure movement along the Z-axis and capture data about vertical force. Some models are portable and small, weighing just a few kilograms, while others are large and stationary.
What Single-Axis Force Plates Measure:
- Power
- Upper and lower limb proprioception
- Jump height
- Fatigue
- Dynamic strength index
- Weight distribution
- Balance
- Strength
- Force/velocity spectrum profile
- Peak force
- Limb symmetry
Who Should Use Single-Axis Force Plates:
Single-axis force plates are widely used by health and athletic professionals who need to measure vertical force. They are especially popular among PTs, coaches and trainers who travel to work with clients and patients and, therefore, require portability.
The Advantages of Single-Axis Force Plates:
- Most models are lightweight and easy to transport
- Sophisticated single-axis force plates quickly generate a multitude of quantitative data
- Nearly all models of single-axis force plates are more inexpensive than three-axis plates
The Downsides of Single-Axis Force Plates:
- When compared to three-axis plates, single-axis plates have narrower functionality
An Overview of Three-Axis Force Plates
Three-axis force plates (also known as 3D or triaxial) are sophisticated tools that measure force along three axes:
- X/Medial-Lateral: Side-to-side
- Y/Anterior-Posterior: Forward and backwards
- Z/Vertical: Upward and downward
What Three-Axis Force Plates Measure:
- Force
- Speed
- Dynamic strength index
- Power
- Explosiveness
- Fatigue
- Balance
- Joint kinematics
- Strength
- Peak force
- Upper and lower limb proprioception
- Jump height
- Center of pressure (CoP)
- Limb symmetry
- Weight distribution
- Force/velocity spectrum profile
Who Should Use Three-Axis Force Plates?
Three-axis force plates are an appropriate solution for anyone who needs to measure multi-directional movement. This includes researchers and professionals who train elite athletes.
The Advantages of Three-Axis Force Plates:
- Three-axis force plates capture an unmatched amount of data
- The sophisticated data generated by the plates give professionals a holistic assessment of a subject’s physicality
The Downsides of Three-Axis Force Plates:
- Most models are large and difficult to transport
- The sophisticated technology used to power three-axis force plates is costly
Should I Invest in Single-Axis or Three-Axis Force Plates?
Investing in digital biofeedback devices and equipment requires research and careful consideration.
Because each practice is different, there is no universal solution when it comes to force plates. If portability and price are your biggest concerns, single-axis force plates will likely suffice. But, if you need comprehensive data and don’t mind using a stationary device, three-axis force plates might fit the bill.
