A prototype system for testing force platform dynamic performance

Previous work on in-situ calibration of force platforms has focused primari ly on behaviour under static loading conditions. The prototype described in this paper is a dynamic system, designed to approximate the loading profil e generated during human gait. The design, construction and performance of an oscillating lead pendulum assembly is described; including three-dimensi onal visual performance assessment and rigorous multi-component force analy sis. No significant difference was found between measured data and a theore tical profile for vertical force and angular displacement. A significant di fference was found for the horizontal force component. The authors believe that further development of this prototype model will allow accurate routin e dynamic calibration. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.