Read how KINVENT’s four models of force plates compare – and learn which plates are right for your needs
Among physical therapists (PTs), sports medicine practitioners, strength and conditioning coaches, and athletic trainers, demand for digital force plates is growing. Unlike traditional, analog testing and training methods (like manual muscle testing), force plates generate quantitative data about force, power, strength and more. The right plates can give PTs, coaches and trainers deep insight into a patient’s or client’s physicality, strengths and deficiencies – and empower them to train, treat and rehabilitate more individuals, more effectively in less time.
Force plates can benefit any practice type – but the “right” model will vary based on a practitioner’s needs and specialization. Some may be content with the basics, while others require expanded functionality. Some may favor a compact footprint, while others need a large surface area to conduct testing. Some may prioritize portability, while others are willing to invest in heavier plates that capture more data.
To accommodate these differing needs, KINVENT offers four models of force plates: K-Force plates, K-Deltas force plates, K-Deltas XL force plates, and K-Deltas 3D force plates. All models can be used alone or in conjunction with the six other devices in KINVENT’s suite of tools. The precise, quantitative data generated by the plates is sent to the KINVENT Physio App in real-time. Practitioners can generate user-friendly reports on the app with a click of a button – and share the information with patients or clients and other members of a care or training team. Together, the app and plates give PTs, coaches and trainers the numbers they need to track progress, hone care or exercise plans, and make well-informed treatment or training decisions.
Here's what you need to know about KINVENT’s force plates – including guidance about which model may be right for your needs.
KINVENT Force Plate Comparison
All KINVENT force plates use electronic force transducers to measure the ground reaction forces (GRFs) of a body or limb that is static or in motion. All models are portable, and, with the exception of the 3D K-Deltas, all are uniaxial.
| K-Force Plates | K-Deltas Force Plates | K-Deltas XL Force Plates | K-Deltas 3D Force Plates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware Price | $2,690 | $5,990 | $7,990 | $35,000 |
| App / Software Price | $350 to $1,150 per year | $350 to $1,150 per year | $350 to $1,150 per year | Perpetual license included |
| Battery | 20 hours | 20 hours | 20 hours | 12 hours |
| Weight (Per Plate) | 4.4 lbs. | 19.4 lbs. | 28.2 lbs. | 36.4 lbs. |
| Dimensions (Per Plate) (L x W x H) | 13.6 x 7.5 x 1.2 in | 21.5 x 14.5 x 1.7 in | 1.9 x 31.9 x 18.5 in | 25.0 x 21.5 x 1.8 in |
| Acquisition Frequency | 1,000 Hz | 2,000 Hz | 4,000 Hz | 1,000 Hz |
| Maximum Force (Per Plate) | 440 lbF | 4,400 lbF | 5,291 lb | 2,204 lbF |
| Precision | Within 0.1% of reading | Within 0.1% of reading | Within 0.1% of reading | Within 0.1% of reading |
| Jump Test Functionality? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Uniaxial or Triaxial? | Uniaxial | Uniaxial | Uniaxial | Triaxial |
| Approximate Three-Year Cost (Hardware & Basic App Subscription)* | ~$3,740 | ~$7,040 | ~$9,040 | $35,000 |
* Does not include the cost of calibration
A Deeper Dive
K-Force Plates
The K-Force plates are KINVENT’s smallest and most portable force plate model. As the least expensive of the four options, the K-Force plates are an excellent value for their money and a stand-out solution for those either looking to try force plates or add a more portable option to their toolkit.
Who they are for:
As one of the lightest models of force plates currently on the market, the K-Force plates are favored by PTs and trainers who travel frequently to patients and clients.
What they measure:
The plates were designed to analyze posture and assess and train proprioception in the upper and lower limbs. They excel at objectively measuring center of pressure, weight distribution, and balance. Unlike the other KINVENT force plate models, the K-Force plates cannot be used to conduct jump tests.
Tests:
- McCall hamstring test
- Bipodal stance
- Lateral stance
- Single leg balance
- Bridge hamstring test
- Squat analysts
- Pushup analysis
Pros:
- The least expensive KINVENT force plate model
- Extremely lightweight
- Highly portable
Cons:
- Can’t be used to perform jump testing
Buy these if: you want an inexpensive and highly portable set of force plates and do not need to conduct jump tests.
K-Deltas Force Plates
The K-Deltas force plates were designed for sports performance. As the lightest weight and most portable force plate model in KINVENT’s K-Deltas family, these popular plates offer impressive functionality in a compact package.
Who they are for:
The K-Deltas force plates are a powerhouse tool for anyone who works with athletes, including strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers and sports medicine practitioners. The quantitative data generated by the plates can be used to guide training plans and improve athletic performance with speed and superior accuracy. The precise data can also be leveraged to help trainers rehabilitate athletic injuries more intelligently and make better-informed return to sport determinations. They have proven to be extremely effective at rehabilitating ACL and upper body injuries.
To learn how one sports physical therapist uses the K-Deltas to treat athletes at his private practice, read the case study: KINVENT Brings Pro-Level Training & Preventative Injury Care to All.
What they measure:
The design, size, load capacity, and high sampling rate of the K-Deltas make them extremely versatile: they excel at quantitatively measuring static and dynamic power, force, strength, fatigue, balance, and symmetry. Coaches, trainers and PTs can use the plates to measure an athlete’s ratio of ballistic peak strength to isometric peak strength (dynamic strength index) and optimal load for maximum power (force/velocity spectrum profile).
Tests:
- McCall hamstring test
- Single leg balance
- Squat analysis
- Isometric mid-thigh pull
- Unipodal/bipodal countermovement jump analysis
- Unipodal/bipodal squat jump analysis
- Drop jump analysis
Pros:
- Excellent value for price
- Captures data for a wide variety of tests
- Highly versatile
- Impressive acquisition frequency of 2,000 Hz
- Easy to transport
- Ideal for both individual and team training
Cons:
- Functionality is slightly more limited than the K-Deltas XL
Buy these if: you want a highly versatile, easy-to-transport set of force plates that can be used to conduct a wide variety of tests quickly.
K-Deltas XL Force Plates
The K-Deltas XL force plates offer the same impressive features as the standard K-Deltas but with a larger footprint and expanded functionality.
Who they are for:
Like the standard K-Deltas, the K-Deltas XL are popular among strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers and sports medicine practitioners and can be used to supercharge training, rehabilitate injuries and make well-informed return-to-sport decisions. Thanks to their large format and enhanced acquisition frequency, they are an ideal choice for high-performance sports teams. They are also suitable for use in clinical settings and for advanced research, where accuracy and space are foundational to testing and assessment.
What they measure:
The K-Deltas XL plates can be used to assess balance, measure power and strength, assess limb muscular symmetry and strength, and more. Like the standard K-Deltas, they can be used to measure an individual’s ratio of ballistic peak strength to isometric peak strength (dynamic strength index) and optimal load for maximum power (force/velocity spectrum profile).
Tests:
- McCall hamstring test
- Single leg balance
- Squat analysis
- Isometric mid-thigh pull
- Unipodal/bipodal countermovement jump analysis
- Unipodal/bipodal squat jump analysis
- Drop jump analysis
Pros:
- Highest sampling rate on the commercial market (4,000 Hz)
- The same impressive performance of the standard K-Deltas with enhanced functionality
- Extended surface area allows for more versatility during balance assessments and dynamic activities
Cons:
- Slightly more difficult to transport than the K-Deltas or K-Force Plates
Buy these if: you want to invest in portable, uniaxial force plates with a best-in-class sampling rate and unmatched versatility.
K-Deltas 3D Force Plates
The K-Deltas 3D force plates are one of the first 3-axis force plates available on the commercial market. These revolutionary plates measure movement in three directions (upward and downward, forward and backward, and side-to-side) – and can capture complex human movement with exceptional accuracy.
Who they are for:
The 3D K-Deltas can be used by any health or sports professional who wants to capture multidirectional movement data but are especially popular among:
- Researchers and sports scientists who conduct advanced biomechanical research
- Elite performance coaches who train professional, semi-professional and best-in-class college athletes
- Leading PTs and rehabilitation professionals who need deep insight into asymmetries and functional deficiencies
What they measure:
These highly sophisticated plates capture more data than single-axis plates and give users deep insight into vertical motion, including propulsion (along the y-axis) and medial-lateral sway (along the x-axis). Among the wide range of metrics they capture, the 3D K-Deltas measure force, explosiveness, speed, power, asymmetry, center of pressure (CoP), and joint kinematics.
For more information, download the e-book: A Practical Guide to 3-Axis Force Plates.
Tests:
- McCall hamstring test
- Single leg balance
- Squat analysis
- Isometric mid-thigh pull
- Unipodal/bipodal countermovement jump analysis
- Unipodal/bipodal squat jump analysis
- Drop jump analysis
- Side jump analysis
- Bilateral forward jump analysis
- Lateral jumps
- Change of direction
- Propulsion and braking force analysis
- Lateral acceleration and deceleration
Pros:
- The most versatile force plates available on the commercial market
- Captures an unparalleled trove of precise multidirectional movement data
- Leverages cutting-edge technology
- Perpetual license to the KINVENT Physio App included with purchase
Cons:
- High price point
- More difficult to transport than KINVENT’s other force plate models
Buy these if: you want to invest in cutting-edge equipment that allows you to conduct sophisticated biomechanical analyses and injury risk assessments – and grants your practice a competitive advantage over peers.
Try KINVENT Force Plates for Yourself
Because every practice is different, no one-size-fits-all solution exists when it comes to force plates. The best model for your practice will depend on your budget, specialization and the needs of your patients or clients.
If you need help deciding – or just want to discuss your options – contact JLW Instruments to speak with a force plate expert. We stock and calibrate the entire suite of KINVENT Bluetooth-enabled digital devices and can assist in selecting the best force plates for your needs.
For more information about how KINVENT’s force plates compare to other popular brands, read our guide, How to Choose the Right Force Plates for Your Practice.
