title: Simple neuro-mechanical measure of the locomotor skill: an example of backward somersault.
abstract: We have studied skilled human locomotions in sports gymnastics by measurement and analysis of ground reaction force and myoelectric signals. Assuming the quality of performance to be a skill level criterion acquired signals were mathematically analyzed via basic signal processing and cross-correlation methods. The study of backward somersault yielded quantitative criteria of performance, proposing an original measure-an inter-muscular cross-correlation function. Besides motor learning, the quantification of movement skill introduced here also relates to possible applications in biocybernetics, robotics and rehabilitation medicine.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Medved
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tonkovíc
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cifrek
mesh_terms: D003491:Cybernetics; D004576:Electromyography; D006173:Gymnastics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000502:physiology; D012046:Rehabilitation; D012371:Robotics; D012399:Rotation; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D016474:Weight-Bearing