# Applying Force Plate Technology to Inform Human Performance Programming in Tactical Populations
## 2 Important Data Considerations for Implementing Force Plate Testing
For example, reduced performance outcomes from a CMJ completed without properly warming up or with submaximal effort may appear as a maladaptation to training, despite the underlying maintenance or improvement in neuromuscular capabilities. At the very least, time constraints may warrant a minimum warm-up of 2-3 repetitions at 50-75% of their maximal perceived effort prior to collecting data (Table 1). There is also evidence of CMJ performances being improved following dynamic warm-up exercises, including submaximal CMJs, loaded with an additional 10% of an individual's body mass [60; 61]. The warm-up should also include the same additional load during submaximal warm-up repetitions when testing externally loaded jump performances (i.e., unloaded barbell or weighted vest) to ensure specificity and preparedness for the assessment. Complicated testing protocols require further familiarization to prepare the individual for the testing session [62]. For example, single-leg jump or squat jump assessments are more unnatural movements than traditional CMJs and require additional familiarization to ensure data accuracy and reliability. When individuals become accustomed to testing protocols, their performances often increase toward their \"true\" scores (i.e., maximized potential for an individual testing session). Familiarization can occur naturally, but the first testing sessions should be referred to carefully, as an increase in performances within a week of training may transpire from becoming more familiar with the test rather than neuromuscular adaptations. Further, since fatigue from intensive training reduces force applications [63], testing batteries should be performed prior to or following a recovery \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c} \hline \hline
**Testing** & **Strength, Power, Ability to** & **Strength, Power,** & & \\
**Purpose:** & **Absorb Forces, Ability to** & **Ability to Absorb** & **Ability to Absorb** & **Power and** \\  & **Handle Loads** & **Forces, Ability to** & **Forces, Ability to** & **Leading Forces** \\  & & **Handle Loads** & **Handle Loads** & **Handle Loads** & **Reading Forces** \\ \hline Time & & & & & \\ Commitment: & & & & & \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Equipment Required:} & Force plate, squat rack for & & & & \\  & IMTP set up, pylemetric box & & & & \\  & (30 cm), weighted vest & & & & \\  & or barbell & & & & \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Example Warm-ups:} & 5 min dynamic warmup & & & & 5 CMJ at \\  & exercises & & & & 50\% effort \\  & 1 set of 5: & & & & 3 CMJ at \\  & 20 kg Mid-thigh Clean Pull & & & & 75\% effort \\  & 3 sets of 5: & & 3 CMJ at 75\% effort & 2 CMJ at 100\% effort & 2 CMJ at \\  & 40 kg Mid-thigh Clean Pull & & & & 100\% effort \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Example Testing Battery:} & 2–3 CMJ trials & & & & \\  & 2–3 DJ trials & & & & \\  & 2–3 Loaded CMJ trials & & & & \\  & 2–3 Loaded DJ trials & & & & \\  & 2–3 Loaded DJ trials & & & & \\  & 2–3 Loaded DJ trials & & & & \\  & 2–3 Loaded DJ trials & & & & \\  & 2–3 Loaded DJ trials & & & & \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}  
* Abbreviations: IMTP; isometric mid-high pulls; CMJ, countermovement jump; DJ, drop jumps. 2. Rest between trials, 30 s; rest between exercises, 60–120. 3. Time of all sessions can be reduced by only collecting data on one trial; however, it is encouraged that the average value from two trials is used. 4. NOTE, the warm–ups repetitions performed prior to testing jumps under loaded conditions should include the same quantity of load. Small external loads of 10% of the individual’s body mass may be used for general warm-up purposes but needs to be standardized for all sessions.  
\end{table} 
Table 1: Sample warm-up protocols and testing batteries. period (72 h) from planned intensive training sessions to obtain the most actionable and reliable individual performance profiles. Additionally, standardized verbal instructions and encouragement must be provided throughout each assessment.