Linear jerk variability evaluation in measurements of motor control trainability: Could kinematic variables encompass information about strength and dynamic balance?

Abstract

As the natural conclusion of talent identification in sports, talent development is the process that involves improving biomechanical capacities and bio-motor abilities. The development progress can be objectively assessed and monitored through measurements of trainability. This study introduces a practical methodology to assess motor control as a trainable factor using kinematic data. The study focused on establishing the relationship between kinematic data and changes in muscle strength and dynamic balance. It illustrates how wearable technology can assess trainability during a functional training programme. Twenty-six female university students were selected and divided into intervention and control groups to investigate motor control trainability. The intervention group performed step aerobics exercises for 24 sessions. A single inertial measurement unit (IMU) mounted on S1 captured the oscillatory motion profiles of the centre of mass during these rhythmic exercises. Analysis revealed that the amplitude of linear jerk variability in different anatomical planes could reflect core and lower limb muscle strengthening caused by training. Furthermore, the results indicated that the dynamic balance adaptation to the changing tempo throughout the training programme was dictated primarily by step width. The mediolateral linear jerk variability reflected this adaptation. The minimum instrumentation approach proposed by this study could prove very practical for the talent development monitoring. The methodology illustrates how the recorded kinematic data from an appropriately placed single IMU could become an information-rich source for the coach to monitor, assess and quantify the trainee’s progress during long-term athletic development.