Quantitatively measure vertical, anterior-posterior and medial-lateral movement in real time
Digital force plates are a staple instrument for many physical therapists (PTs), strength and conditioning coaches and athletic trainers. Unlike subjective, traditional testing methods that rely on feel, the versatile plates generate precise, quantitative data about a patient’s or athlete’s strength, fatigue, power, symmetry, force, static and dynamic balance, and more.
Nearly all commercially available force plates are uniaxial (or single-axis), meaning they can only measure vertical force. Until recently, force plates that measure multidirectional movement (along three axes, instead of one) could only be found in labs – and were used almost exclusively in clinical applications.
As the fields of physical therapy and athletic training have evolved, demand for more – and higher quality – data has exploded. Many PTs and trainers looking to build comprehensive profiles of their patients’ and athletes’ strengths and deficiencies have sought force plates that can assess complex, dynamic actions, like changes in direction and plyometric exercises.
To meet that need, KINVENT created the K-Deltas 3D Force Plates – one of the first (and only) 3-axis force plates available for commercial use.
A Revolution in Biofeedback Technology: K-Deltas 3D Force Plates
The 3D K-Deltas are the newest addition to KINVENT’s line of force plates, which also includes the K-Force Plates, K-Deltas and K-Deltas XL. Like the other biofeedback devices in KINVENT’s suite of tools, the 3D K-Deltas send data to the KINVENT Physio App in real time. Data can be leveraged to make better-informed rehab, return-to-sport, and training decisions – and keep patients engaged in their care or exercise program.
Like their single-axis counterparts, the 3D K-Deltas use load cells to measure ground reaction forces (GRFs). Unlike single-axis force plates, the 3D force plates measure movement in three directions:
- Vertical (z-axis): upward and downward movement
- Anterior-posterior (y-axis): forward and backward movement
- Medial-lateral (x-axis): side-to-side movement
By measuring along three axes, the 3D K-Deltas capture significantly more data than single-axis plates – and also offer more comprehensive insight into vertical motion. For example, while single-axis plates can generate highly useful data about the vertical force of an individual’s gait, it cannot capture propulsion (along the y-axis) or medial-lateral sway (along the x-axis). The 3D K-Deltas can capture all that data – and more, including:
- Force
- Explosiveness
- Speed
- Power
- Asymmetry
- Joint kinematics
- Center of pressure (CoP)
Who Can Use 3D K-Delta Force Plates?
The 3D K-Deltas can be used by anyone who wants to capture sophisticated, multidirectional movement data. They are particularly popular among:
- Performance coaches who work with elite athletes, including those on professional, semi-pro and college sports teams
- PTs and rehabilitation professionals who need in-depth analyses of functional deficiencies and asymmetries
- Researchers and sports scientists who conduct advanced biomechanical and sports science research
Try One of the World’s First Commercially Available 3-Axis Force Plates
To learn more about the plates, including benefits, uses and metrics, download the e-book: A Practical Guide to 3-Axis Force Plates.
If you are ready to see the power of this cutting-edge technology for yourself, contact a JLW Instruments force plate expert to schedule a KINVENT demo or free trial. Note that a perpetual license to the KINVENT Physio App is included with every 3D K-Delta purchase.
