Do you know what type of vertical jump force plate signal is shown in the diagram?

It is a countermovement jump (CMJ).

Do you know what the numbers mean?

They represent different phases of the countermovement jump.

1.    Weighing quiet standing phase
2.    Unweighting phase
3.    Braking phase
4.    Coupling phase
5.    Propulsive phase
6.    Flight phase
7.    Landing phase

The CMJ is undoubtedly one of the most utilised jumps in terms of diagnostics for many professions. Why?

Each of these phases has a treasure trove of information in them that can guide your diagnostics, whether it is for rehab or sporting performance. Bang for buck, the CMJ is one of the best jumps for delivering insight into musculotendinous function and asymmetry.

“So what,” you say, you need a force plate for such diagnostics. With manufacturer competition and new leasing arrangements, you would be surprised how cheap and cost effective they are. Explore the options – I think you will be surprised.

Anyways, what I’d like to do over the next series of posts is concentrate on the education piece around force plates, as I know they are becoming more mainstream in physiotherapeutic and strength and conditioning practice. Hope you hop on this topic with me.

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