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Plantar Flexion Ergometers (PFE)

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The Plantar Flexion Ergometer is designed to enable precise assessment of physiological responses during plantar flexion exercise, supporting in-depth investigations in exercise physiology. During operation, the participant lies on a bed with one or both feet (depending on the configuration) secured to foot platform(s) connected to a flywheel. Plantar flexion drives rotation of the flywheel, which is coupled via a cable and pulley system to an adjustable weight stack, allowing exercise intensity to be precisely controlled.

Technavance's Plantar Flexion Ergometer that supports bialteral exercise in the prone position.

​A motorized platform adjusts the height of the weight stack to define ankle range of motion and accommodate supine or prone subject positioning. An adjustable shoulder harness ensures a secure, customized fit between the participant and the instrument (depending on the configuration).

A proprietary, web-based user interface allows researchers to communicate with the instrument. Up to eight measured variables can be exported or streamed directly to third-party data acquisition systems. The interface also provides auditory feedback to promote consistent subject effort during experimental protocols.

The system incorporates two primary sensors: a calibrated load cell and an inclinometer. Sensor data are processed by an embedded microprocessor to provide highly accurate, real-time measurements of force, torque, cadence, rate of work, accumulated work, ankle angle, and range of motion. Outputs may be viewed instantaneously or as cycle-averaged values.

​Depending on configuration, the PFE supports isometric or dynamic exercise, supine or prone positioning, and single- or dual-leg operation, offering a flexible, purpose-built platform for a wide range of experimental applications.

Technavance's Plantar Flexion Ergometer that supports bilateral exercise in the supine position.

Technavance offers two PFE models to support different experimental needs: the PFE 1000, which supports single- or dual-leg exercise and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) testing, and the PFE 2000, which supports high-resolution, low-load single-leg exercise only.

Features

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Dimensions

  • 37.5" L x 27" W x 54" H

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Mechanical & Ergonomic Design

  • Rigid aluminum frame for stability and safety.

  • Lockable casters for easy repositioning and transport.

  • Configurable for right or left foot and supine or prone subject orientation.

  • Adjustable instrument height to accommodate a range of bed heights.

  • Customizable foot platform assembly to accommodate different foot sizes.

  • Adjustable harness and foot straps for secure subject positioning.

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Exercise & Load Control

  • Motorized weight stack for precise control of ankle joint range of motion (ROM).

  • Lockable weight stack for maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) assessments (depending on model).

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Data & Software

  • Eight analog outputs for integration with external data acquisition systems.

  • User-friendly software interface with fully customizable display.

  • Audible cadence feedback to support consistent subject effort.

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Measured Variables

  • Force

  • Total work completed

  • Elapsed time

  • Torque*

  • Cadence*

  • Rate of work*

  • Range of motion*

* Available as instantaneous or cycle-averaged outputs.

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Additional Configurable Options

  • 20–315 lbs weight stack with 5 lbs increments.

  • 1–12.5 kg weight stack with 0.25 kg increments.​

CONTACT OUR TEAM TO DISCUSS YOUR APPLICATION.

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