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.