Article Title

LIMIT CYCLE REPRESENTATION OF THE GYMNASTICS LONGSWING

Authors

Genevieve K.R. Williams
Domenico Vicinanza
Gareth Irwin
Karl M. Newell

Category

Gym sports

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

Human movement science is searching for ways to capture global dynamics of our complex multi-segment system. The aim of this study was to explore differences in a limit cycle representation of longswings on high bar as a function of skill level. One elite international, one collegiate, and one novice gymnast performed four consecutive longswings on high bar. Through the novel representation of the longswing as a limit cycle, and exploration of the limit cycle characteristics, it is shown that higher frequency, more phase coherent oscillations, and lower limit cycle variability occurs as a function of skill level. It is suggested that this candidate collective variable be explored as a global indicator of skill level and learning that can provide insight into the efficiency of the mechanical system.

Recommended Citation

Williams, Genevieve K.R.; Vicinanza, Domenico; Irwin, Gareth; and Newell, Karl M. (2017) "LIMIT CYCLE REPRESENTATION OF THE GYMNASTICS LONGSWING," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 35: Iss. 1, Article 37.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol35/iss1/37