Objective strength, power and movement testing to support rehabilitation, return to sport and physical performance.
At MSO Physio, we use VALD ForceDecks force plates and DynaMo dynamometry to add clear, objective measurements to your assessment. This allows our physiotherapists and therapists to measure physical qualities that cannot always be judged accurately by observation, or by how a movement feels alone.
VALD testing may be used during routine rehabilitation appointments, or as part of one of our more in-depth screening services. The tests selected will depend on your symptoms, stage of recovery, activity level and goals.
ForceDecks are specialist force plates that measure how you produce and control force through the ground. When you stand with one foot on each plate, they can also show how much each side contributes during a movement.
Depending on what is appropriate for you, testing may include squats, jumps, landings, balance tasks, isometric strength tests or sit-to-stand movements. The results can provide information about strength, power, balance, force absorption, landing control and differences between the left and right sides.
DynaMo is a portable dynamometer used to measure the force produced by individual muscle groups. It can also be used for appropriate range-of-motion tests across the major joints of the body.
DynaMo gives us a clear numerical result, rather than relying on a visual estimate. Measurements can be compared between sides, against previous results and, where relevant, with available reference data. This helps us identify specific areas to address and monitor change over time.
VALD is available for our physiotherapists and therapists to use during clinic appointments whenever an objective measurement would be helpful. For example, we may measure the strength of a particular muscle group, compare one side with the other, or repeat a test at different stages of recovery to track progress.
These results are considered alongside your symptoms, movement, confidence and overall clinical assessment. The data supports clinical decision-making, but does not replace the wider assessment or determine treatment on its own.
Our Sports Performance Screening uses VALD testing alongside relevant movement and sport-specific tasks to build a detailed picture of your current physical performance. It can identify strengths, meaningful differences between sides and clear priorities for training, while also providing useful baseline data for future repeat testing.
Our Return to Sport Screening is designed for people progressing back to exercise, training or competition following injury, surgery or a longer break. VALD results are considered alongside your symptoms, movement quality, confidence, stage of rehabilitation and the demands of your sport.
The findings are explained in a written report, and can help identify the safest and most appropriate next step. A follow-up with the testing practitioner or your usual therapist can then help you turn the results into a practical rehabilitation or return-to-sport plan.
Ready to add objective data to your rehabilitation or performance training? Get in touch with our team to find out more about VALD testing, Sports Performance Screening or Return to Sport Screening at our Sutton clinic.
