In the dynamic world of health and fitness assessment, we are constantly searching for better ways to unlock the full potential of our clients. Whilst smart handheld dynamometers and portable force plates will do most of the heavy lifting in generating baseline performance metrics to track over time, one often overlooked yet invaluable tool is the force trace shape. Picture this – as individuals undergo strength and performance testing, their force traces etch a unique and revealing path, holding the key to essential insights about their movement performance. In this article, we delve into 4 force trace shapes, exploring how it can offer more information to health and fitness professionals in guiding their clients toward optimal performance and well-being.

The peak force on a force trace during an isometric strength test is one of the most used metrics as it is considered a good reflection of maximum strength for several reasons:

Static contraction: In an isometric strength...

Originally developed in the 1960's for biomechanics research in elite sports, force plates have emerged as invaluable tools in an athletic setting, providing objective data to optimize high performance and identify potential injury risks. With advancements in technology and increased accessibility, portable force plates such as the AxIT Stomp-IT are now finding their way into everyday health and fitness settings, allowing technology previously only available to million-dollar sports teams and university laboratories to empower practitioners and individuals alike.

If you haven't had the opportunity to experience the incredible benefits of incorporating smart force plates like AxIT Stomp-IT into your health and fitness practice, this blog is here to change that! Get ready to explore the Top 4 Strength Tests that can be performed using force plates and discover why they are an absolute game-changer for your clients.

Why use Force Plates and Isometric Strength Testing?