VALD: Technology That Enhances Quality Rehabilitation
Hoppers Physio has been utilising VALD technology for over a year now to assist with patient assessment and rehabilitation planning. This technology provides objective measurements that can help our physiotherapists assess physical performance, monitor progress and inform individualised rehabilitation programs. While this technology is particularly valuable for athletes, it can also be useful for a wide range of patients.
The VALD systems we use at Hoppers Physio include ForceDecks, DynaMo and MoveHealth.
Introducing ForceDecks
Force plates have come a long way. In the past, they were large and complex devices mainly used in biomechanics laboratories. Today, force plates are portable, easier to use and supported by automated software.
Systems such as VALD’s ForceDecks Dual Force Plate System allow practitioners to collect and understand movement data in sports, healthcare and rehabilitation settings.
What Is a Force Plate?
A force plate is a platform containing sensors that measure the force a person applies to the ground when standing, walking, jumping or landing.
This is known as ground reaction force (GRF).
When someone stands still on a force plate, it measures the force exerted through their body weight. During movement, the force changes depending on how strongly they push against the ground.
ForceDecks uses two force plates, allowing practitioners to examine the forces produced by each side of the body. This can provide useful information about differences between the left and right sides during certain movements.
How Are Force Plates Used?
Force plates can be used for a range of assessments, including:
- Jump testing: squat jumps, drop jumps and hop tests
- Functional movement: squats, push-ups and sit-to-stand tests
- Balance: quiet standing and single-leg balance
- Strength: isometric tests such as an isometric squat or calf raise
- Rehabilitation: monitoring recovery and return-to-play progress
The specific tests used will depend on your injury, goals and stage of rehabilitation.
Dynamometer for Muscle Strength
DynaMo is a handheld dynamometer and inclinometer that can be used to assess muscle strength and range of motion. It allows physiotherapists to measure the force produced during different strength tests and record the results over time.
During a strength test, a physiotherapist places the dynamometer against a specific part of the body. The patient then pushes or pulls against the device and depending on the amount of force produced, it will provide a clear number that can be recorded and tracked.
One of the main benefits of using a dynamometer is that it provides objective results. Instead of relying only on how strong someone feels, the practitioner can use actual measurements to monitor changes.
Why Is It Used?
DynaMo can help physiotherapists with:
- Measure muscle strength
- Compare strength between the left and right sides
- Track progress during rehabilitation
- Monitor recovery after an injury
- Check strength before returning to sport
- Set a baseline and measure improvements over time
VALD MoveHealth
VALD MoveHealth is an App designed for patient use to bring exercise programs, patient education, outcome measures and testing results together on one platform.
How does VALD technology help your rehabilitation?
Using MoveHealth, your clinician can create a personalised exercise program for you. The app will show you:
- Exercises prescribed by your clinician for your current stage of rehabilitation
- Information about your exercise program and progression
- Changes in strength or movement measurements over time
- Information about your rehabilitation progress
- Assessment results that may help your clinician guide your return to activity or sport
You can record when you complete your exercises. This helps you and your clinician see how consistently you are following your program.
Who can benefit from VALD technology?
VALD technology can be useful for patients recovering from injuries, returning to sport, managing ongoing physical conditions or working to improve their strength and physical capacity.
MoveHealth includes educational information that can help you better understand your injury or condition and your rehabilitation. Your clinician may also provide questionnaires through the app. If they use VALD testing equipment, some of your results can also be viewed through the app.
This can help you see changes in your strength, movement or performance over time.
Keep track of your rehabilitation progress with Hoppers Physio
Rehabilitation is not always a straight line, and progress can sometimes be difficult to see from day to day.
At Hoppers Physio, we use VALD technology to make rehabilitation more objective, measurable and personalised. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing an ongoing condition, returning to sport or simply looking to improve your physical capacity, objective data can provide valuable insight into your rehabilitation. To book a comprehensive assessment, contact us on (03) 9749 5110 or book online.