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HUMAC Interactive Balance Force Plate
The HUMAC Interactive Balance Force Plate is a cutting-edge tool designed to assess and improve balance, coordination, and neuromuscular control. At OrthoRehab, we use this technology to enhance outcomes for a wide range of patients, from athletes to older adults. The system is connected to a television screen placed in front of the patient, allowing for real-time visual feedback. This setup helps patients understand and adjust their movement patterns on the spot. The HUMAC platform is especially beneficial for assessing static and dynamic balance deficits and for providing interactive, game-like exercises that make rehabilitation both effective and engaging.
During an initial assessment, our therapists guide patients through a variety of balance tests. These include single-leg stance, tandem stance, and dynamic shifting tasks, all performed while standing on the HUMAC plate. The system tracks the patient’s center of pressure and displays movement patterns in real time. This data is used to establish a baseline, which informs a personalized treatment plan. With this foundation in place, patients transition to playing interactive games tailored to their skill level. These games are designed to challenge the patient in different planes of motion, requiring fine-tuned coordination, proprioception, and postural control. Learn more about our fall prevention and balance services.
The HUMAC balance plate is particularly useful for patients with a history of orthopedic injuries such as ankle sprains, ACL tears, or hip replacements. It also benefits individuals with neurological conditions including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. For patients recovering from concussion or vestibular disorders, the HUMAC system provides a safe and measurable way to restore postural stability and mitigate dizziness or imbalance. This makes it a cornerstone in our vestibular therapy programs as well.
For patients at high risk of falling, the HUMAC platform offers an objective method to identify deficiencies in balance and address them proactively. Using the data collected, therapists can spot subtle balance deficits that may not be visible through traditional assessments. We then tailor a progression of challenges that safely promote adaptation and improvement over time. These sessions may include both static and dynamic balance drills, visual tracking tasks, and dual-task activities to simulate real-world scenarios such as walking while talking or carrying objects. Our goal is to reduce fall risk and increase confidence in daily activities.
In orthopedic rehabilitation, the HUMAC plate supports recovery following surgeries such as total knee or hip replacements, ligament reconstructions, or spinal procedures. It helps patients regain control over joint alignment and postural responses, facilitating better outcomes and reduced risk of reinjury. The interactive feedback enhances proprioceptive training and supports quicker transitions to more advanced functional tasks. For athletes, we incorporate HUMAC training into return-to-sport protocols, especially for those recovering from lower extremity injuries. Visit our sports rehabilitation page for more information.
Another key benefit of the HUMAC system is its ability to engage patients of all ages. The platform’s interactive games transform therapy into a fun and rewarding experience, improving motivation and adherence to treatment. For pediatric and adolescent patients, the game-based structure keeps them focused and committed. For older adults, the gentle visual challenges enhance cognitive-motor integration, contributing to better multitasking and reaction time. These features make the HUMAC system highly adaptable across age groups and diagnoses. To see how we integrate this with broader therapy plans, visit our physical therapy overview.
Therapists also use the HUMAC platform as an educational tool. The visual feedback empowers patients by showing them their progress in real time. Patients often express greater self-awareness and control over their movements as they engage with the visual cues. This fosters accountability and builds confidence, which is essential in long-term rehabilitation. By helping patients understand their movement limitations and tracking improvement through visual data, the HUMAC promotes a more proactive approach to healing.
Finally, the HUMAC balance force plate enhances collaboration between therapists and patients. The shared visual information creates a more interactive and informed treatment session, where decisions can be made together based on performance. This transparency strengthens the therapeutic alliance and leads to better outcomes. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or looking to improve your balance and stability, the HUMAC force plate is a valuable asset on your road to recovery. Contact one of our clinic locations to schedule a balance assessment today and take the first step toward more stable, confident movement.
In addition to individual therapy sessions, the HUMAC system can also be incorporated into group rehabilitation classes, where participants can encourage each other and share progress. Group settings help build camaraderie and accountability, which can accelerate outcomes and reinforce positive behavioral changes. We often see that individuals participating in community-based balance training are more likely to maintain gains and continue exercising outside of therapy.
Moreover, our team continuously evaluates and calibrates each HUMAC session to meet evolving needs. As a patient’s condition changes, whether improving or presenting new challenges, our therapists adjust the activities and difficulty levels accordingly. This ensures the therapy remains personalized and productive. The ability to quantify progress through regular reports also makes it easier to communicate with referring providers and insurance companies, reinforcing the medical value of continued care. Explore more of our comprehensive therapy services.
At OrthoRehab, we also utilize the HUMAC system for prehabilitation, which includes structured exercise and balance training performed before surgery to improve post-operative recovery. Patients scheduled for joint replacements or orthopedic procedures benefit from entering surgery with stronger neuromuscular control and a better understanding of proper movement mechanics. This proactive approach can lead to shorter recovery timelines and fewer complications during rehabilitation.
Caregivers and family members are welcome to observe or participate in therapy sessions using the HUMAC platform. This helps extend therapeutic practices into the home and promotes consistency between clinic-based and at-home movement strategies. Patients feel more supported and motivated when their families understand the techniques being used and can offer reminders or encouragement in everyday settings.
We encourage patients to ask questions during sessions, as understanding the “why” behind each exercise enhances engagement and long-term adoption. Education is at the heart of what we do, and the HUMAC balance plate is not only a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, but also a means of teaching better posture, awareness, and reaction control. We invite you to visit one of our clinic locations to experience how this technology can support your movement goals.
