Record a test in ForceDecks iOS

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This guide will walk you through how to conduct a ForceDecks test using the ForceDecks iOS app.

This article relates to running a ForceDecks test with an individual. For guidance specific to group testing contexts, see Run a group testing session with ForceDecks iOS.

Set up the test

1. Turn your ForceDecks on by pressing the power button on the left (primary) plate. The LED lights will begin to turn on, then you will hear a beep from the primary plate, followed by the secondary plate.

Ensure your iOS / iPadOS device remains near the plates during the test to maintain a strong Bluetooth connection.

2. Open the ForceDecks iOS application and log in with your VALD credentials.
3. From the home screen, select Individual testing.
4. Once the app finishes searching, select your ForceDecks from the device list.

5. Select an existing profile from the list, or create a new profile using the Create profile button.

5. Select a test type from the list or choose Auto Detect mode in the top-right.
   Auto Detect allows the individual to complete a wide variety of tests that can be auto-detected and analyzed. This is useful if you want your clients performing a battery of tests in quick succession – just check in advance that the test types you're looking for are included.

6. Optionally, specify tags for the test.
   Tags can be used to increase filtering and reporting capabilities. Familiarize yourself by reading our guide on ForceDecks Tags.
7. Toggle ForceDecks Vision on or off. If enabled, orientate the iPad appropriately so that both the ForceDecks and the individual are in the camera frame.

ForceDecks Vision is currently only available for iPad users only. Additionally, profiles must have the 'Allow Photo and Video Recording' setting enabled to use ForceDecks Vision.

Record the test

8. Select Start in the bottom-right and the plates will begin a process of 'zeroing'. This resets the point of zero weight and is used to cancel out any potential errors in the starting measurement. Ensure that nothing is touching the plates while the zeroing completes.

9. Once the plates have zeroed successfully, the screen will read 'Ready to weigh'. Have the individual step onto the plates, standing as still as possible so that ForceDecks can record an accurate weight. The individual's weight is extremely important as it's used to calculate a wide variety of metrics for the test. See Weighing Profiles in ForceDecks iOS App for further information.
   Pressing Skip during the weighing phase will begin the test. ForceDecks will attempt to record the individual's weight in the quiet period before they begin the movement.

10. Have the individual perform the test. See our list of ForceDecks Protocols for detailed instructions on how to perform each test type.
    Running a balance test? See our article specifically for conducting balance tests on ForceDecks iOS.

    

    Additional controls are available to you from the testing screen:

    • Pause and Resume the test.
      • Hold and drag the slider icon to see the force trace at an increased size.
      • Use a double-tap gesture to zoom out to the full force trace i.e., after zooming in or moving around.
    • Re-zero option which returns the plates to the zeroing stage.

View results

11. When you have completed the assessment, tap Finish in the bottom-right corner. A summary screen will be displayed, from which you can:
    • Review and delete repetitions as necessary to ensure your final test data is tidy.
    • Change the test type of repetitions if required, particularly when using Auto Detect.
    • View and discuss the test results with your client as needed. Check out our guide to understanding results for more info.

12. Press Upload to send results to VALD Hub, or Discard if you do not wish to upload this test.

After uploading your results, you can check the status of the upload via the Upload Manager.

Proceed with your testing by choosing one of the options on this screen: Change profile, Repeat test, Change test protocol, or Back to home.