Instructional Manual for Isometric Tests

EasyForce Performance and ISOplate

 About EasyForce Performance
The EasyForce Performance is a state-of-the-art returning athletes to sports, or improving
digital dynamometer featuring a peak force capacity athletic performance, EasyForce Performance
of 300 Kg (2942 N). This pull-type dynamometer is is the ideal tool for you. It enables you to track
specifically designed to evaluate strength generated critical metrics such as peak force, time-to-
in compound, multi-joint movements. It caters peak force, and average force without the
to strength and performance coaches, sports complexities of data exports or connectivity.
physiotherapists, personal trainers, and other The tool provides accurate, simple, and swift
movement professionals who strive to enhance access to the data that matters most to you
strength assessment through objective data. If your and your clients, making it a valuable asset to
daily work revolves around athletic populations, your work.

About the ISOplate accessory

ISOplate is a rigid aluminum platform engineered to work in conjunction with the EasyForce
Performance Dynamometer. It provides a secure and simple method to evaluate a broad spectrum of
isometric tests like the Isometric Thigh Pull, Isometric Deadlift, or Isometric Belt Squat. The platform’s
laser-engraved top plate visuals assist in foot positioning during each test, thereby ensuring the
validity and reliability of the results.

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Isometric Mid-thigh Pull (IMTP)
Test description: The IMTP is an assessment of athletic performance
and dynamic strength used by strength coaches and clinicians within
the sports realm (1,2). It requires an athlete to exert a maximal upward
(vertical) pull on a fixed barbell, similar to the second phase of a power
clean (driving hips forward and extending knees), and can provide insight
into maximal lower extremity strength, force generation/development,
and effectiveness of interventions (1,2,3,4).

Instructions: Additional reading:

After setting up the plate according to the instructions written in
the EasyForce Performance manual proceed to following: Over the last decade, IMTP has become
a leading measure in assessing athletic
performance, dynamic strength and
1 Have athlete stand on the plate shoulder width. peak power.

Adjust the chain length at a mid-thigh height, assuming the knee 1. Giles, G., Lutton, G., & Martin, J. (2022).
angle is at (125-145) and hip angle (140-150). Scoping Review of the Isometric Mid-Thigh
Pull Performance Relationship to Dynamic
Sport Performance Assessments. Journal of
2 Athlete takes the barbell and warms up by performing several
functional morphology and kinesiology,
gradually increasing submaximal repetitions. 7(4), 114.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7040114
3 To avoid a false force peak, instruct the athlete to gradually
2. Grgic, J., Scapec, B., Mikulic, P., & Pedisic,
increase the pull strength.
Z. (2022). Test-retest reliability of isometric
mid-thigh pull maximum strength assessment:
4 Turn the device on, press the start measurement button and a systematic review. Biology of sport, 39(2),
perform the test by attempting a maximal upward pull. 407–414.
https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2022.106149

5 The assessment can last about 10 seconds while maintaining

the maximum pull for at least 3 seconds. IMTP has demonstrated reliability when
assessing changes in maximum strength
and effectiveness of interventions over
6 To end the assessment either press the device blue button or time.
lower the device and the metal bar to the ground.
3. Keogh, C., Collins, D. J., Warrington, G., &
Comyns, T. (2020). Intra-Trial Reliability and
Usefulness of Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Testing
on Portable Force Plates. Journal of human
kinetics, 71, 33–45.
https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2019-0094
Considerations for tester during setup:

1. Bar height: Knee angle (125-145) and hip angle (140-150). It is also said to be a viable alternative to
1RM deadlift – offering clinicians/patients
2. Hand/Foot placement: Approximately shoulder width or or trainers/clients a more time and energy
slightly wider. efficient option to accurately track progress.

3. Use of hand straps or chalk. 4. De Witt, J. K., English, K. L., Crowell, J. B.,
Kalogera, K. L., Guilliams, M. E., Nieschwitz,
4. For reliable results perform the test 3 times with at B. E., Hanson, A. M., & Ploutz-Snyder, L. L.
least 2–2.5 minutes rest in between. Upon completion (2018). Isometric Midthigh Pull Reliability
and Relationship to Deadlift One Repetition
calculate the average result.
Maximum. Journal of strength and conditioning
research, 32(2), 528–533.

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Isometric Deadlift (lift-off or knee-passing)
Test description: The isometric deadlift is like the isometric mid-thigh pull,
but dissimilar because it is assessed at lift off from the floor and as the bar
passes the knee. Research states that this test has been strongly correlated
to peak force and maximal strength of a 1RM hexagonal barbell (trap bar)
deadlift, which has proven most effective in knee extensor activation and
translates to dynamic actions like sprinting (1,2,3). In addition and depending
on the depth of squat required in the athlete’s sport, forces at the lift-off
and at knee-passing phases could provide similar insight into athletic
performance in sports that involve jumping as the isometric mid-thigh pull.

Instructions: Additional reading (Research):

After setting up the plate according to the instructions written in
the EasyForce Performance manual proceed to following: Research suggests that peak force assessed
when completing isometric pulls at
positions similar to the lift off and knee-
1 Athlete stands on the plate with feet placed shoulder width. passing phases of a hexagonal barbell
(HBb) deadlift are the best predictors of
Adjust the chain at length of 22.54 cm/8.875’’ (lift-off) or at maximal strength in a 1RM HBb deadlift.
knee height (knee-passing).
1. Miller, B. A., Arroyo, E., Tagesen, E. C., &
Jajtner, A. R. (2021). Relationships Between Hex
2 Athlete takes the barbell with hands shoulder width apart and
Bar Deadlift One-Repetition Maximum and
warms up by performing several submaximal repetitions. Maximal Isometric Pulls. International journal
of exercise science, 15(4), 45–57.
3 To avoid a false force peak, instruct the athlete to gradually
increase the pull strength.
Utilizing a hexagonal barbell when
performing a deadlift may optimize knee
4 Turn the device on and perform the test by attempting extensor activation. Deadlift-based force
a maximal upward pull. assessments appear safe and may be
useful in the assess-ment of functional
strength in patients with acute, non-
5 The assessment can last about 10 seconds while maintaining specific LBP.
the max pull for at least 3 seconds.
2. Stock, M. S., Bodden, M. E., Bloch, J. M.,
Starnes, K. L., Rodriguez, G., & Girts, R. M.
6 To end the assessment either press the device blue button (2022). Acute, Non-Specific Low Back Pain
or lower the device and the pulley to the ground. Does Not Impair Isometric Deadlift Force
or Electromyographic Excitation: A Cross-
Sectional Study. Sports (Basel, Switzerland),
10(11), 168.
Considerations for tester during setup: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10110168

1. Variations of test: Lift-Off vs. Knee-Passing Phase.

2. Testing of both variations or only those applicable? The hip extension moment of the deadlift
was 42% larger than the back squat,
Which pull or hip/knee angle translates best for the
resulting in an exercise that strengthens
athlete in their sport? the lower back and posterior thigh muscles
3. Bar height: and is easily able to translate to dynamic
Lift-Off: When lifting the bar off ground, there should be actions like sprinting.

no (or very minimal) slack.

3. Otsuka, M., Honjo, T., Nagano, A., & Isaka, T.
Knee-Passing: At the height of the superior aspect of the (2021). Kinetics in lumbosacral and lower-limb
patella, there should be no (or very minimal) slack. joints of sprinters during barbell hip thrust
4. Hand/Foot placement: Approximately shoulder width. compared to deadlift and back squat. PloS
one, 16(7), e0251418.
5. Use of hand straps or chalk. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251418
6. For reliable results perform the test 3 times with at least
2-2.5 minutes rest in between. Upon completion calculate
the average result.

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Isometric Belt Squat or Front Squat
Test description: The isometric squat (ISq) has been a tool used to assess
maximal force (peak force) and explosive strength (rate of force development)
in the clinical and sports performance settings. Like other isometric tests, the
ISq has been preferred to dynamic testing, as it requires less skill and is more
time and energy efficient, yet still provides insight into dynamic movements (1).
Research suggests that front and belt squats, have been correlated with
the anterior chain (knee extensors) and the posterior chain (knee flexors),
respectively (2,3). However, both play a significant role in sprinting and jumping.

Instructions: Additional reading (Research):

After setting up the plate according to the instructions written in
the EasyForce Performance manual proceed to following: The ISq assesses maximal force and
explosive strength in a variety of athletic
populations. It is preferred to dynamic
1 Athlete stands on the plate, feet placed shoulder width while the testing, as it requires less skill, less time
setup is the following for: and may lead to less muscular damage.
Front Squat: attach the bar at the height of front rack position But is still correlated to the dynamic
movements required in sport.
while keeping the knee angle (125-145) and hip angle at (140-150).
Belt Squat: attach the belt at the appropriate height while knee 1. Moir, G. L., Getz, A., Davis, S. E., Marques,
angle (125-145) and hip angle (140-150). M., & Witmer, C. A. (2019). The Inter-Session
Reliability of Isometric Force-Time Variables
2 Consider a warm-up by performing several increasing and the Effects of Filtering and Starting Force.
Journal of human kinetics, 66, 43–55.
submaximal repetitions, while for:
https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2018-0049
Front Squat: holding the barbell in front rack position and
keeping the elbows and chest high.
Belt Squat: placing the arms on the hips and keeping chest Results suggests that the front squat
may be preferred to the back squat when
upwards.
assessing knee extensors, whereas back
squat may be preferred for knee flexors.
3 To avoid production of a false force peak, instruct the athlete
to gradually increase the pull strength. 2. Yavuz, H. U., Erdağ, D., Amca, A. M., & Aritan,
S. (2015). Kinematic and EMG activities during
4 Turn the device on, press the blue button and perform the test front and back squat variations in maximum
by attempting a maximal upward movement. loads. Journal of sports sciences, 33(10),
1058–1066.
5 The assessment can last about 10 seconds while maintaining the https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2014.984240
max pull for at least 3 seconds.

To end the assessment either press the device blue button or Belt squats were determined to be a viable
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alternative for back squats, while still
lower the device and the bar to the ground. requiring the same muscular demands on
all musculature outside of the core,
obliques and glutes.
Considerations for tester during setup:
3. Joseph, L., Reilly, J., Sweezey, K., Waugh, R.,
1. Variation of squat/placement of bar/ What are you testing? Carlson, L. A., & Lawrence, M. A. (2020). Activity
Front Squat: Anterior chain dominant (knee extensors). of Trunk and Lower Extremity Musculature:
Comparison Between Parallel Back Squats
Belt Squat: Reduces the spinal load during movement. and Belt Squats. Journal of human kinetics,
2. Form: Front Squat: Holding bar on anterior delt vs. 72, 223–228.
conventional (wrist extended). https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2019-0126
3. Foot placement:
Feet approximately shoulder width.
4. For reliable results perform the test 3 times with at least
2-2.5 minutes rest in between. Upon completion calculate
the average result.
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Isometric Push Up or Upper Body Isometric
Test description: In comparison to lower extremity assessments,
viable upper extremity assessments have been few and far-between.
But the isometric push-up (or upper body isometric test {UBIST}) has
been proven to possess strong similarities to the 1RM bench press
when assessing peak force and time to peak force. These variables
correlate with dynamic movements when body positioning is similar
and translate to sport-specific movements like those found in
American Football and competitive surfing (1,2).

Instructions: Additional reading (Research):

After setting up the plate according to the instructions written in
the EasyForce Performance manual proceed to following: The UBIST is a reliable assessment of upper
body strength when compared to the 1RM
bench press test and possesses the ability
1 Consider warming up by performing several sets of pushups. to provide insight into dynamic on-field
movements, like those seen in American
2 Athlete can place the belt around the chest with the chain facing Football.

forward. 1. Bellar, D., Marcus, L., & Judge, L. W. (2015).

Validation and Reliability of a Novel Test of
3 Have athlete assume mid push-up position, hands placed slightly Upper Body Isometric Strength. Journal of
human kinetics, 47, 189–195.
wider than the shoulder, elbow at 90 degrees and adjust the
https://doi.org/10.1515/hukin-2015-0074
chain length from chest to ground.

4 Before measuring instruct the athlete to gradually increase the Larger values of isometric strength are
correlated to increased dynamic strength
push strength to avoid the sudden peak. Turn the device on, and
and translate to increased peak force and
press the blue button. quicker times to peak force in competitive
surfers
5 Perform the assessment by attempting a maximal push-up.
2. Parsonage, J., Secomb, J., Dowse, R.,
The assessment can last about 7 seconds while maintaining Ferrier, B., Sheppard, J., & Nimphius, S. (2018).
the max pull for at least 3 seconds. The Assessment of Isometric, Dynamic, and
Sports-Specific Upper-Body Strength in Male
and Female Competitive Surfers. Sports
6 To end the assessment either press the device blue button or
(Basel, Switzerland), 6(2), 53.
lower the body to the plate. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6020053

Considerations for Tester During Setup:

1. Plate placement: Athlete’s upper neck/chin should be

parallel to the edge of the plate.
2. Hand Placement: 150 % Biacromial Width.
3. Form:
Elbows: Flexed to 90 degrees.
Back: Must remain flat throughout test.
4. Belt/Strap used to secure to ISOplate must be non-elastic.
5. Belt/Strap placement:
Over shoulder and under opposite shoulder.
Around trunk (over bilateral scapula).

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