Do strain gauge force platforms need in situ correction?

This study presents a simple method for checking the accuracy of force platform systems. The accuracy is assigned by the offset of the calculated centre of pressure, relative to its geometric location on the surface of the platform. A dynamic force that changes over time was applied, as opposed to previous methods based on static forces. Measurements by two researchers on two strain gauge based platforms indicated a decrease in accuracy as the point of application of force moves to the platform peripheries. It was also found that the minimum vertical force threshold might be up to 113 N in order to estimate the centre of pressure within a distance with a S.D. of 0.3 cm. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.