Evaluation of the validity and reliability of the Meloq EasyBase force platform for assessing jump performance and balance parameters

BACKGROUND: Force platforms are widely used to assess postural stability and vertical jump performance, yet their cost and limited portability restrict routine clinical and field-based use. The Meloq EasyBase force platform offers a practical alternative, but its validity and reliability require investigation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and to provide evidence of concurrent validity of the Meloq EasyBase force platform for the evaluation of balance-related parameters and jumping in healthy young adults. METHODS: Seventy-eight healthy young adults (mean age: 21.85 ± 1.68 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Static balance was assessed during single-leg stance on dominant and non-dominant limbs, with center of pressure (CoP) displacement, velocity, directional sway, and ellipse area recorded. CMJ height was also measured. Assessments were repeated after 7-10 days. Reliability was evaluated using intrarater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change (MDC). Concurrent validity against a clinical balance test was examined using correlations with the Flamingo Balance Test (FBT). RESULTS: Balance parameters demonstrated moderate to high reliability (ICC = 0.58-0.76), with velocity-based and directional CoP measures showing higher consistency. CMJ height showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.96; SEM = 1.53 cm; MDC95% = 4.24 cm). Significant low-to-moderate correlations were observed between FBT scores and most force platform balance parameters (r = 0.23-0.32, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Meloq EasyBase force platform demonstrates high reliability for vertical jump performance and moderate reliability for balance parameters. The observed low-to-moderate correlations with the Flamingo Balance Test provide preliminary evidence of concurrent validity.