Periodic error messages while scanning are normal, and are in place to ensure data is standardized and reliable. Read more here about ways to potentially avoid them.
To ensure the highest level of reliability and trust in the data generated by the Sparta Scans, Sparta Science has developed patented, in-built error detection and standardization software automations. This means each time a person scans on the force plate, an objective filtering process occurs through feature extraction to make sure the data is quality. This also minimizes the burden on practitioners having to carefully monitor each assessment as well as any potential subjectivity or bias.
The current in-built errors for each scan are based upon validated physics-based principles and research, machine-learning analysis of years of time-series force plate data, and years of combined research and experience working with our partners.
The following outlines the current standardization settings within the Sparta Scan App and describes some helpful problem-solving. Be sure to take notice of what each error says if they appear, as they will also suggest ways to avoid the error. What is also important to note is that the errors can tell us critical pieces of information about how someone is moving at this point in time, e.g., an inability to complete one smooth dynamic process can result in the error message "We didn't detect a jump" meaning the movement process they attempted may have involved pauses, and/or excessive or multiple arm movements. While rare, for some populations, a first step in improving their movement may simply be registering a complete dynamic process.
When a scan error occurs, this time-series data is stored in Sparta Science's data lake for future investigation and analysis to enable us to continuously improve these settings. Users are able to flag canceled and completed scans for further investigation by Sparta Science's data scientists and machine learning engineers.
Jump Scan Standardization Explanations
| MESSAGE | EXPLANATION |
| "Stand still before you jump" | When prompted by the system, make sure the user stands still and is not moving their feet or shifting their weight. The force plate is very sensitive and requires a still period prior to assessment. |
| "Minimum jump height not achieved" | The user's jump height has not met the minimum threshold set in the system. This often occurs when users 'drop' into a jump, make sure the user does not leave the plate prior to their decent into the jump. |
| "Make sure you land on the plate" | Users should attempt to land on the force plate and stand still. |
| "Don't bounce while starting your jump" |
Users may bounce or perform excessive upward arm swing immediately prior to countermovement. Oftentimes adjusting the starting arm position for the user can help to alleviate this error. The force plate requires a still period prior to assessment. |
| "Stand up straight before starting your jump" | Users should start the jump protocol in a full upright standing position. When a user starts in a flexed position this can lead to errors in calculated metrics due to lack of standardization. |
| "We didn't detect a jump" | The user may not have performed a jump within the allotted time frame. Click to continue or have them step off and back on the force plate to begin a new trial. |
| "Stand still on the plate before you jump" | When prompted by the system, make sure the user stands still and is not moving their feet or shifting their weight. The force plate is very sensitive and requires a still period prior to assessment. |
| "Please step off and move the plate to a level spot" | If the force plate is on a particularly uneven surface, fluctuations in sensor data from force plate movement can cause errors in time-series data. Make sure the force plate is on a flat and stable surface, this is required for quality data collection. If the force plate isn't flat on the ground, this and many of the other errors above may also occur. |
Balance Scan Standardization Explanations
| MESSAGE | EXPLANATION |
| "Your weight didn't shift enough to one side" | The user may not have balanced on one leg during the allotted time frame. Click to continue or have them step off and back on the force plate to begin a new trial. |
| "Looks like you balanced on the wrong foot" | The user may have balanced on the wrong side. Click to continue or have them step off and back on the force plate to begin a new trial. |
| "Your weight shifted out of balance" | The user's may not have achieved a stable single leg balance segment. Click to continue or have them step off and back on the force plate to begin a new trial. |
| "Make sure to balance on one leg" | The user's may not have achieved a stable single leg balance segment. Click to continue or have them step off and back on the force plate to begin a new trial. |
|
"Don't hop or step off the plate" |
The user must remain in contact with the plate during the entire balance segment. Click to continue of have them step off and back on the force plate the begin a new trial. |
| "Two leg balance period not found" | When prompted by the system, make sure the user stands still and is not moving their feet or shifting their weight. The force plate is very sensitive and requires a still period prior to assessment. |
| "Please step off and move the plate to a level spot" | If the force plate is on a particularly uneven surface, fluctuations in sensor data from force plate movement can cause errors in time-series data. Make sure the force plate is on a flat and stable surface, this is required for quality data collection. If the force plate isn't flat on the ground, this and many of the other errors above may also occur. |
Plank Scan Standardization Explanations
| MESSAGE | EXPLANATION |
| "Your weight didn't shift enough to one side" | The user may not have planked on one arm during the allotted time frame. Click to continue or have them step off and back on the force plate to begin a new trial. |
| "Looks like you planked on the wrong side" | The user may have planked on the wrong side. Click to continue or have unload the force plate to begin a new trial. |
| "Your weight shifted out of balance" | The user's may not have achieved a stable single are plank segment. Click to continue or have them unload the force plate to begin a new trial. |
| "Make sure to balance on one arm" | The user's may not have achieved a stable single arm plank segment. Click to continue or have them unload the force plate to begin a new trial. |
| "Don't hop or step off the plate" | The user must remain in contact with the plate during the entire plank segment. Click to continue of have them unload the force plate the begin a new trial. |
|
"Two arm balance period not found" |
When prompted by the system, make sure the user holds the push up position still and is not moving their hands or shifting their weight. The force plate is very sensitive and requires a still period prior to assessment. |
| "Make sure you are balancing on two arms and move to one" | The user may attempt to start the plank scan on one arm. Make sure to have them start on both then shift to one arm when prompted. |
| "Please step off and move the plate to a level spot" | If the force plate is on a particularly uneven surface, fluctuations in sensor data from force plate movement can cause errors in time-series data. Make sure the force plate is on a flat and stable surface, this is required for quality data collection. If the force plate isn't flat on the ground, this and many of the other errors above may also occur. |