VALD ForceDeck Testing - A Powerful Tool for Performance & Recovery

Clare Lawson • September 15, 2026

A Powerful Tool for Performance, Rehabilitation and Recovery

What are ForceDecks?

ForceDecks, also known as force plates, are advanced assessment tools that accurately measure a wide range of performance and movement metrics. They provide detailed insights into movement patterns, strength, balance, power, and symmetry.

With the ability to assess more than 20 different movement tests, ForceDecks allow us to select the most appropriate assessments based on your injury, rehabilitation stage, or performance goals.


What Can ForceDecks Measure?

ForceDecks provide objective data that helps guide both rehabilitation and performance training. Some of the key metrics we assess include:

  • Strength and power asymmetries between limbs
  • Balance and stability, including Centre of Pressure measurements
  • Rate of Force Development (RFD), which measures how quickly you can generate force
  • Ground Reaction Force, assessed through jump testing and landing analysis
  • Movement efficiency and overall performance capacity

These insights help identify weaknesses, monitor recovery, and optimise athletic performance.


Are ForceDecks Only for Athletes?

Not at all.

While ForceDecks are used extensively in elite and professional sport, they are equally valuable for anyone recovering from injury, returning to activity, or wanting to move and perform better.

ForceDeck assessments are beneficial for:

  • Runners
  • Football and sporting athletes
  • Individuals recovering from surgery
  • Active adults returning to exercise
  • Anyone looking to improve strength, balance, and movement quality

The data allows us to tailor treatment and training to your individual needs, ensuring a more targeted and effective approach.


How Can ForceDecks Help With My Injury?

ForceDeck testing provides objective information that helps us create a personalised rehabilitation plan and track your progress over time.

Benefits include:

  • Injury Rehabilitation
  • Identify movement deficits, strength imbalances, and areas requiring further rehabilitation.
  • Progress Tracking
  • Monitor improvements by repeating assessments throughout your rehabilitation journey.
  • Return-to-Sport Decision Making
  • Determine whether you have regained the strength, power, and symmetry required to safely return to sport.
  • Injury Risk Screening
  • Identify potential risk factors that may contribute to future injuries.
  • Performance Enhancement

Whether your goal is to run faster, jump higher, or perform at your best, ForceDecks can help identify opportunities for improvement.

ForceDecks can also be used for sporting teams and groups. Team assessments provide valuable insights into group performance trends, strengths, and areas for development.

For information regarding group assessments, please contact us via email.

When Should I Book a ForceDeck Assessment?

ForceDeck testing can be valuable at any stage of lower limb rehabilitation or as a performance benchmarking tool when healthy.

You may benefit from a ForceDeck assessment if you are:

  • Recovering from a lower limb or spinal injury (ankle, knee, calf, hamstring, hip, groin, quadriceps, or lower back) and able to perform jumping tasks without pain
  • Rehabilitating following an ACL injury or ACL reconstruction
  • Unsure whether you are ready to return to sport
  • Interested in finding out if one leg is stronger than the other
  • Looking to reduce your risk of future lower limb injuries
  • Wanting to compare your performance against athletes or relevant population benchmarks


Your Comprehensive Performance Report

Following your assessment, you will receive a detailed performance report outlining your results.

This report includes:

  • Side-by-side comparisons between limbs
  • Benchmarking against relevant demographic and athletic populations
  • Comparisons with previous testing sessions
  • Clear insights to guide training and rehabilitation decisions

You can share this report with your physiotherapist, doctor, coach, strength and conditioning coach, or trainer to support informed decision-making and track your progress toward returning to sport.


Ready to See How You Measure Up?

Whether you're recovering from injury, preparing to return to sport, or looking to optimise your performance, a ForceDeck assessment provides objective data to guide your next steps.

Book your ForceDeck assessment today and gain valuable insights into your strength, power, balance, and movement performance.

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