Force plates allow us to measure the forces and torques applied between the feet and the ground during a variety of tasks performed during daily living e.g., walking, running, jumping, carrying, standing, and lifting across a broad range of populations (e.g., adults, youth, old, neurologically deficient, injured.) and task demands (e.g., load magnitude/shape, assistive device use, dual task).
Our laboratories have two pits designated to be filled by a matrix of force plates and “filler” plates. Filler plates are made of the same materials as the force plates, but are not instrumented; which translates in cost savings. This also allows for the rearangement of the force plates to create custom configurations while safely filling the pits with a consistent surface. Both the force and filler plates are secured using a mounting system (e.g., rails, plates) that allow for different configurations depending on study requirements. To obtain the data from the force plates, the appropriate amount of cables and amplifiers are required. Synchronization of the force plates with each other, as well as capabilities to synchronize with optical motion capture equipment, is necessary. Dimensions of the pits and example configurations are depicted in figures included within Appendix A.
Mandatory Requirements:
1.Force Plates and Filler Plates
1.1 The three components of each ground reaction force and the three components of each ground reaction torque (hereafter collectively referred to as “GRFs”) must be measurable by all force plates synchronously.
1.2 The force and torque sensors must be capable of measuring forces and torques for adults jumping (i.e., capable of measuring vertical forces up to a minimum of 5,000 N).
1.3 The GRFs must be measured and stored for later retrieval with a sampling frequency of at least 1,000 Hz.
1.4 The force and filler plates must be able to secure to a mounting system that allows for custom configurations within each pit (i.e., configurations in figures 6 and 8 are possible).
1.5 The force and filler plates must be exchangeable between pits.
1.6 The center of pressure error must be below 1 mm.
1.7 There must be less than 0.5% crosstalk between GRF data channels.
1.8 Filler plates must come in different sizes to allow for custom configurations (e.g., full, half, and quarter sizes).
1.9 Cables provided to attach the force plates to the amplifiers must be at least 30 feet in length.
1.10 The force plates must come with amplifiers that pug into a standard 120-volt outlet.
2.Software
2.1 The measurement software must be capable of synchronizing with motion capture equipment via Vicon Nexus.
3. Warranty, CSA, Installation and Training
3.1 Must be capable of providing up to 5 years of warranty.
3.2 All electrical components must be CSA certified or equivalent; as per the Electrical Safety Authority Recognized Certification Mark: https://esasafe.com/electrical-products/recognized-certification-marks/. If any electrical components do not arrive with an acceptable certification marking, uOttawa must be allowed to open/modify the instrument as required in order to have it CSA Certified. Said inspection/modification, if required, must not void any warranty.
3.3 Delivery, installation, calibration, testing, and training must be included.
3.4 Prior to the mounting system installation, the vendor must perform all the necessary preparation work to the pits (i.e., ensure consistent depth and level surface).
3.5 During installation, the vendor must level the mounting system such that all force and filler plates create a level surface that is flush with the surrounding floor.
