No longer confined to research labs and elite sporting teams, force decks are now available at Move for Life Physio to assess for strength, movement, asymmetry and balance. Force Decks can be used to monitor rehabilitation progress and injury risk, collect baseline data, and improve function in a variety of conditions.
What are Force Decks?
Force Decks are versatile tools that provide valuable insights into human movement, making them beneficial for a wide range of conditions. Move for life Physio have partnered with VALD Health who are at the cutting edge of the technology and are being used in a host of universities, hospitals and professional sporting clubs.
Who can benefit from the use of Force Decks?
Here are some specific conditions and scenarios where Force Decks can be particularly advantageous:
1) Musculoskeletal Injuries
- ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injuries: Force Decks help assess limb asymmetries and track recovery progress, ensuring a safe return to activity.
- Ankle Sprains: Monitoring balance and force distribution aids in rehabilitation and prevents re-injury.
- Fractures: Assessing weight-bearing capacity and gait symmetry is crucial for effective rehabilitation.
Shoulder Injuries: Although primarily used for lower limb assessment, Force Decks can assist in evaluating weight distribution and balance changes that occur due to compensatory mechanisms.
2) Neurological Conditions
Stroke Rehabilitation
- Gait Analysis: Force Decks provide detailed data on gait mechanics, helping tailor rehabilitation programs to improve walking ability and balance.
- Balance Training: Monitoring postural stability and force distribution can aid in reducing fall risk.
Parkinson’s Disease
- Movement Analysis: Assessing the impact of tremors and rigidity on balance and gait helps in developing targeted interventions.
- Fall Prevention: Regular monitoring can identify changes in stability and mobility, allowing for early intervention.
3) Chronic Pain Conditions
Low Back Pain
- Movement Patterns: Analyzing how individuals with chronic low back pain distribute forces during movement can inform better treatment strategies.
- Rehabilitation Progress: Tracking improvements in mobility and strength helps in adjusting rehabilitation protocols.
Osteoarthritis
- Joint Loading: Force Decks can assess how osteoarthritis affects force distribution in the lower limbs, informing pain management and rehabilitation approaches.
- Functional Improvement: Monitoring changes in movement mechanics and function over time supports effective treatment planning.
4) Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Joint Replacements
- Knee and Hip Replacements: Evaluating gait symmetry and weight-bearing capacity ensures a safe and effective recovery process.
- Rehabilitation Progress: Continuous monitoring allows for adjustments in rehabilitation programs based on objective data.
Spinal Surgeries
- Postural Stability: Assessing balance and postural control is crucial for patients recovering from spinal surgeries.
- Movement Analysis: Understanding compensatory movement patterns helps in developing comprehensive rehabilitation plans.
5) Sports Injuries and Performance
Acute Injuries
- Sprains and Strains: Force Decks help in assessing the extent of injury and monitoring recovery.
- Rehabilitation: Detailed data on force production and asymmetries aids in designing effective rehabilitation programs.
Performance Optimization
- Jump Mechanics: Assessing jump height, power, and force production helps in optimizing athletic performance.
- Injury Prevention: Identifying movement asymmetries and abnormal force distributions can prevent injuries.
6) Developmental Conditions
Cerebral Palsy
- Gait Analysis: Detailed gait analysis helps in understanding the impact of cerebral palsy on movement and informs intervention strategies.
- Balance Training: Monitoring postural stability and force distribution aids in improving functional mobility.
Developmental Conditions
- Movement Patterns: Analyzing movement patterns and balance helps in developing targeted interventions to improve coordination and function.
- Rehabilitation: Continuous monitoring supports the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.
7) Elderly Population
Fall Prevention
- Balance Assessment: Regular monitoring of balance and postural stability can identify individuals at risk of falls, allowing for early intervention.
- Strength Training: Tracking improvements in strength and mobility helps in designing effective fall prevention programs.
Mobility Assessment
- Gait Analysis: Understanding changes in gait mechanics with aging supports the development of interventions to maintain mobility and independence.
- Functional Capacity: Assessing functional capacity aids in designing appropriate exercise and rehabilitation programs.
Conclusion
VALD Force Decks are more than just tools; they are game-changers in the fields of sports performance, rehabilitation, and human movement analysis. By providing precise, objective, and actionable data, these decks empower professionals to make informed decisions, optimize training and recovery, and ultimately, enhance performance.
VALD Force Decks offer a powerful and versatile solution for assessing and improving human movement across a wide range of conditions. From musculoskeletal injuries to neurological disorders, chronic pain conditions, post-surgical rehabilitation, sports injuries, developmental conditions, and the needs of the elderly population, the detailed and objective data provided by Force Decks supports effective treatment, rehabilitation, and performance optimization.
By incorporating VALD Force Decks into our practice, we can provide a higher standard of care, enhance outcomes, and ensure that every individual you work with achieves their full potential.If you want further information to see whether they might benefit you, please contact neeraj@moveforlifephysio.com.au
