VALD Performance Testing 

Introducing our new analysis technology - VALD. VALD is a testing system that can help us look for asymmetries between sides of the body, to an incredibly accurate degree. This can help with assessment either pre or post injury, and help give us valuable information regarding movement patterns and biases towards one limb or another.

ForceDecks + Dynamo

 

This data can be used to compare to normative data (against others in a particular demographic) based on age, sport and other factors. This can then help to guide recovery and rehab protocols, and guide a return to sport or activity following an injury.

For a full VALD assessment, a longer appointment time (45-60 minutes) is required, so that a full battery of tests can be performed, and then a report written up.


The best time to complete your first VALD assessment is at the beginning of a new training cycle or rehabilitation block. This will give you specific objective measures to compare against as you make gains through your training or rehab cycle. The assessment can also be used as a diagnostic tool and to pick up on asymmetries in the body.


We have two pieces of equipment available to us currently: The VALD Force Decks and the VALD DynaMo


VALD Dynamo


Dynamo is a handheld device that can measure the strength of individual muscle groups. It can also accurately measure range of motion in degrees for precise measurements to track improvements to the nearest degree. This enables us to clearly track improvements and deficits left vs right for comparison.


Examples of tests:

  • Rotator cuff shoulder external and internal rotation
  • Hamstring and quad strength
  • Hip flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.
  • Grip strength
  • Range of movement testing for all joints
  • And many more…


VALD Force Decks


VALD Forcedecks are a dual-force plate system that monitors neuromuscular control, strength and imbalance. Each force plate contains several sensors for detecting the force, direction, and symmetry of our movement.


It is connected to an application, via Bluetooth, allowing us to easily analyse movement, movement strategy, limb asymmetry, power, balance, and neuromuscular control in real-time. 

‍

There are several movements that can be assessed with force plates. A few are: 

  • Squat
  • Counter Movement Jump 
  • Drop Down Jump 
  • Single Leg Jump
  • Push Ups
  • And many more…

‍

The metrics we measure will all depend on what your physio or exercise physiologist is analysing. Common metrics we look at: 


Jump Height

This metric gives us an idea of your power, maximum strength, and explosive strength.


Peak Power

Your peak power is the highest amount of power generated during the test. Power is able to account for a combination of strength, velocity, force and neuromuscular adaptations.


Peak Takeoff Force

This force gives us an idea of how much power you produce in order to jump from the forcedeck surface.


Peak Landing Force

This gives us an idea of how well you absorb shock as you land. 


Symmetry Between Limbs 

Limb Symmetry Index is the ratio between opposing limbs (right leg and left leg). Whether the asymmetry is due to surgery, injury, or merely limb dominance, it can help us compare the affected limb to what would be considered "normal" for you.


VALD recommends that limb symmetry with all metrics should be within 15% to be considered normal. However, clinical research for return to sport testing shows that <10% may reduce injury risk further, so this is our goal at the clinic.



Share by: