Multidimensional joint coupling: a case study visualisation approach to movement coordination and variability

Gareth Irwin*, David G. Kerwin, Genevieve Williams, Richard E.A. Van Emmerik, Karl M. Newell, Joseph Hamill

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A case study visualisation approach to examining the coordination and variability of multiple interacting segments is presented using a whole-body gymnastic skill as the task example. One elite male gymnast performed 10 trials of 10 longswings whilst three-dimensional locations of joint centres were tracked using a motion analysis system. Segment angles were used to define coupling between the arms and trunk, trunk and thighs and thighs and shanks. Rectified continuous relative phase profiles for each interacting couple for 80 longswings were produced. Graphical representations of coordination couplings are presented that include the traditional single coupling, followed by the relational dynamics of two couplings and finally three couplings simultaneously plotted. This method highlights the power of visualisation of movement dynamics and identifies properties of the global interacting segmental couplings that a more formal analysis may not reveal. Visualisation precedes and informs the appropriate qualitative and quantitative analysis of the dynamics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)322-332
Number of pages11
JournalSports Biomechanics
Volume19
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Apr 2018

Keywords

  • Motor behaviour
  • coaching
  • coordination
  • dynamical systems
  • visualisation

Cite this