The application of inertial measurement units and functional principal component analysis to evaluate movement in the forward 3½ pike somersault springboard dive. Issue 2 (4th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walker, Cherie; Warmenhoven, John; Sinclair, Peter J.; Cobley, Stephen
• Is Part Of: Sports biomechanics. Volume 18:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 146
• Page End: 162
• Publication Date: 2019-03-04
• Subjects: Biomechanics -- acrobatics -- skill acquisition -- movement variability -- expertise -- functional principal component analysis; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Human mechanics -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2019.1574887
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-3141

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Based on technological and analytical advances, the capability to more accurately and finitely examine biomechanical and skill characteristics of movement has improved. The purpose of this study was to use Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and Functional Principal Components Analysis ( f PCA) to examine the role of movement variability (assessed via angular velocity), on 2 divers (1 international level; 1 national) performing the forward 3½ pike somersault dive. Analysis of angular velocity curves during ive-flight identified 5 f PCs, accounting for 96.5% of movement variability. The national diver's scatter plots and standard deviation of f PC scores illustrated larger magnitudes of angular velocity variability across dive flight. For f PC1 and f PC3, magnitudes of SD variability were 282.6 and 201.5, respectively. The international diver illustrated more consistent angular velocity profiles, with clustering of f PCs scores (e.g., f PC1 & 3 = SD's of 75.2 & 68.0). To account for lower variability in the international diver, the ability to better coordinate movement sequences and functionally utilise feedback in response to initiation of the somersault position is highlighted. Overall, findings highlight how both IMUs and f PCA can more holistically and finitely examine the biomechanical and skill characteristics of movement sequences with the capability to inform athlete development.