RESUMO
This study tested the feasibility of using an inertial measurement unit to discriminate different developmental levels of children performing the standing long jump (SLJ). Sixty-four children (54.6% boys, 46.4% girls) aged 8 to 11 years old ( M = 9.17, SD = 0.97) performed the SLJ three times and were classified by rater observations into three developmental levels. Concurrently, they wore an inertial measurement unit from which a set of temporal and kinematic parameters for the quantitative assessment of their jumps. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed that variability among the developmental groups was identified by the overall set of parameters, while discriminant function analysis verified that these parameters discriminated among developmental levels. Primary predictors for developmental group discrimination were maximum peak acceleration in the vertical and anteroposterior directions, respectively, and normalized preparation time. These outcomes represent significant steps toward improving the assessment of SLJ rate of development in childhood and supporting physical education.
RESUMO
Understanding the developmental levels of fundamental movement skills has a critical role in the improvement of motor competence in childhood. In this respect, the use of Microsoft Kinect to assess vertical jumping skill and to predict developmental levels in 9- to 12-yr.-old children was evaluated. 41 boys and girls repeated the countermovement jump test three times. Vertical jumping skill levels were categorized using observational records, while kinematic and temporal parameters were estimated using a biomechanical model based on data acquired by the Kinect. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and discriminant analysis verified that the height of the jump and the flight height predict the primary differences in jumping skill developmental levels, and the Kinect-based assessment discriminates these levels.
