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Plantar Flexion Ergometers

Technavance offers two models of the Plantar Flexion Ergometer (PFE). The PFE 1000 has a 20 - 315 lbs weight range,​ with the ability to select 5 lbs increments, and it supports maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) determinations. The PFE 2000 has a 1 - 12.5 kg weight range, with the ability to select 0.25 kg increments, but does not support MVC determinations.

Features:​

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  • Dimensions:

    • 37.5" L x 27" W x 54" H

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  • Rigid aluminum framing for stability and safety

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  • Lockable castors for easy movement 

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  • Adjustable to accommodate right or left foot AND supine or prone subject orientation

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  • Adjustable instrument height to accommodate various bed heights

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  • Customizable foot platform assembly to adjust to subject foot size​

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  • Motorized weight stack for setting ankle joint range of motion (ROM)

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  • Lockable weight stack for subject maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) assessment

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  • Adjustable harness and foot straps to secure subject to instrument

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  • Eight analog outputs for interfacing with data acquisition systems

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  • Easy to use software interface

    • Fully customizable display

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  • Audible cadence 

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  • Measured variables include:

    • Force

    • Total Work Completed

    • Elapsed Time

    • *Torque

    • *Cadence

    • *Rate of Work

    • *Range of Motion

            *Instantaneous or Cycle Averaged

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Additional Customizable Options:​​

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  • Two different weight stack options to best match subject population capabilities

    • 20 - 315 lbs weight stack range​ with 5 lbs increments

    • 1 - 12.5 kg weight stack range with 0.25 kg increments

The Plantar Flexion Ergometer is designed to allow researchers to assess physiological parameters during plantar flexion exercise thereby permitting the comprehensive exploration of underlying mechanisms in exercise physiology investigations. During operation, the subject lies on a bed with one or both feet secured to platforms, which are in turn connected to a flywheel. During plantar flexion, movement of the platform(s) causes the flywheel to rotate. The flywheel is connected by a cable and series of pulleys to a weight stack, which is adjustable to provide the option of varying intensity. The height of the weight stack can be adjusted, by a motorized platform, to control the range of motion of the ankle joint during plantar flexion and to also allow for the subject to be either supine or prone. An adjustable shoulder harness ensures custom and secure fit between the subject and the instrument. The Technavance Solution incorporates 2 sensors: a calibrated load cell along with an inclinometer. Data from these sensors is received by an embedded microprocessor to provide highly accurate measurements of a wide range of experimental parameters including force, torque, cadence, rate of work, accumulated work, angle of the ankle joint, and range of motion; with applicable outputs being available instantaneously or cycle averaged. In addition, the system’s user-friendly and proprietary web interface provides the researcher with the option to communicate with the instrument using any computer equipped with a web browser and ethernet connection. Up to eight of the measured output variables (described above) can be exported directly into third party data acquisition systems. Also, the user interface provides audio feedback on cadence to ensure consistent effort by subjects during study protocols. Depending on purchased options, the instrument can be provided with the following flexibility: exercise can be performed either isometrically or dynamically, subjects can be positioned either supine or prone, and exercise can be performed with one or both feet.

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