Force Plate

Definition:

Force measurements involve collecting signals that can indicate forces during locomotion and torque or power of the hand while gripping.

Amplitude:

-Standing still:

Fn = mg, where m=person’s mass and g=acceleration due to gravity

-Jumping:

Fn – mg = ma

Typical Applications:

Force measurements are used in a variety of applications, specifically in medicine and sports. Measurements collected with a force plate are used to evaluate various aspects of biomechanics and posture, as well as in sports to evaluate the different locomotion and force characteristics of an athlete.

Typical BioRadio Configuration:

When using the force plate, make sure you are set to Advanced View when programming your BioRadio

Coupling: DC
Range: ±35 mV

Typical Setup:

Step 1:
Place force plate flat on the ground.
Step 2:
Make sure the switch at the top of the force plate is set to -200 to +850 for the range.
Step 3:
With no load on the force plate, click on "Zero Force Sensor". This will remove any offset from the transducer.

Calibration:

If you wish to calibrate your force plate, follow this protocol:

Place weights with known measurements (such as no weights, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, and 15 pounds) on the force plate one at a time.
Record the output voltage for each weight
Plot the weight (x-axis) versus the voltage output (y-axis) in a spreadsheet
Right-click on one of the data points and select Add Trendline
Under the Type tab, select Linear
Under the Options tab, select "Display equation on chart" and click OK
An equation in the format y=mx+b should be displayed: m is the gain and b is the offset
In BioCapture, right click on the channel you wish to set the gain and offset to. Click "Signal Properties." Enter the values and click "OK." You have calibrated the force plate.