Test system for clinical force platforms

Our team has built a system for testing and calibration of clinical Force Platforms, able to generate a circular path Center of Pressure (CoP) that can be accurately applied in the horizontal plane at a given travel speed, selectable radius and vertical force. The CoP generated, which is applied directly onto the platform, is used as a precise reference for both static and dynamic measurements, to check the operation of unknown Force Platforms performance characteristics or to verify specifications indicated by the Force Platform´s manufacturer. To confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed test apparatus, it was applied to a commercial clinical usage Force Platform manufactured by artOficio LTDA. The main advantages of the proposed Test System are the accuracy in fixing or setting a direct reference and the ability to maintain continuous monitoring through the generation of flexible and stable circular patterns during the tests.