Hawkin Dynamics Force Plate Testing
Objective Data. Smarter Decisions. Faster Return to Play.
At Summit Rehabilitation, we are committed to providing the highest standard of assessment and rehabilitation. That's why we use industry-leading Hawkin Dynamics Force Plates to objectively measure movement, performance, recovery and readiness to return to sport.
Force plate testing allows us to look beyond what we can see with the naked eye and measure exactly how your body produces and absorbs force during movement. This provides valuable information for athletes recovering from injury such as an ACL reconstruction, individuals looking to improve performance and sports teams seeking to reduce injury risk.
What Are Force Plates?
Force plates are highly sensitive assessment tools that measure the forces your body produces when you jump, land, push, pull or change direction.
During testing, the force plates collect thousands of data points per second, providing detailed information about:
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Strength and power production
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Landing mechanics
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Limb asymmetries
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Neuromuscular control
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Rate of force development
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Reactive strength
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Fatigue levels
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Movement efficiency
This data allows us to identify deficits that may not be visible during traditional assessments.
Why Is This Important?
For athletes recovering from injury, force plates provide an objective benchmark throughout rehabilitation. Common injuries we assess include:
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ACL reconstruction
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Meniscal injuries
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Hamstring strains
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Achilles tendon injuries
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Patellar tendinopathy
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Ankle ligament injuries
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Hip and groin injuries
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Shoulder injuries
Using a series of validated tests, we can assess:
Limb Symmetry
Compare the injured and non-injured limbs to identify remaining deficits.
Force Production
Determine whether sufficient strength has been restored.
Deceleration Capacity
Assess the athlete's ability to absorb force safely during landing.
Reactive Strength
Measure how effectively the body transitions from absorbing force to producing force.
Movement Strategy
Identify compensation patterns that may increase injury risk.
This information helps guide rehabilitation progressions and provides confidence when making return-to-play decisions.
Return to Play Testing
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Many athletes return to sport based on time since injury, pain levels, or subjective assessment alone.
Research consistently shows that significant strength and force-production deficits can remain long after symptoms have resolved.
Force plate testing allows us to objectively answer key questions:
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Is the injured limb performing at the same level as the uninjured side?
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Has the athlete regained sufficient strength and power?
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Is there an increased risk of re-injury?
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Is the athlete truly ready to return to play?
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What specific areas require further rehabilitation?
Instead of relying on guesswork, decisions can be based on measurable data.
