Real-Time Force Data.
Brace On. Brace Off.
The following charts represent individual patient bilateral force asymmetry data, measured using VALD ForceDecks within a single clinical session. This data was collected by clinicians post the University of Queensland validation study as real-world application testing — it is separate from and not part of the UQ study findings. It is presented to illustrate how the biomechanical mechanisms operate in individual clinical presentations.
Data note: The University of Queensland School of Biomedical Sciences validation study is the measured evidence base (↓32% medial gastrocnemius EMG in quiet standing balance, p=0.002; up to ↓8.1% peak Achilles tendon force, modelled; ↓5.1% heel contact time, p=0.009; ↓10% of the range used at end of stance). The case data below is clinician-collected application data from our own practice, not UQ study data, and it is offered as clinical observation. Individual patient consent obtained.
Peak landing force: Without the brace, the patient offloads the injured left Achilles with a 22% rightward asymmetry — a classic pain-avoidance pattern. With the brace on the left leg, asymmetry collapses to 2%. This is near-perfect bilateral symmetry restored by a single intervention within a single session. The brace is reducing the painful load sufficiently for the patient to trust the limb again.
Concentric RFD: The −73% L-dominant result with the brace is not a negative finding — it is the mechanism explained. Without the brace, the patient is only mildly L-dominant (−11%) because they are pain-inhibiting the L Achilles and guarding during push-off. With the brace reducing load on the injured tendon, the neural inhibition resolves and the left leg fires concentrically at full capacity, producing a −73% L-dominant result. This is evidence of reduced pain inhibition, not increased impairment. It should be read alongside the landing force data, which simultaneously shows near-symmetric bilateral loading.
All measurements were taken using VALD ForceDecks bilateral force plate system during standardised jump/landing and concentric push tasks. This data is clinician-collected post-study application testing and is not part of the University of Queensland validation study. The within-session toggle design (no brace → brace → no brace) controls for learning effects and fatigue by demonstrating the reversibility of the finding when the brace is removed. Asymmetry values are expressed as percentage difference between limbs relative to the higher-force limb. Positive values indicate R-dominance; negative values indicate L-dominance. Individual patient consent obtained for clinical data sharing.
These are individual clinical cases. The UQ group-mean study data is available on the Clinicians page alongside full methodology.
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