Simple Assessment of Height and Length of Flight in Complex Gymnastic Skills: Validity and Reliability of a Two-Dimensional Video Analysis Method

Abstract

In artistic gymnastics, the possibility of using 2D video analysis to measure the peak height (hpeak) and length of flight (L) during routine training in order to monitor the execution and development of difficult elements is intriguing. However, the validity and reliability of such measurements remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, the hpeak and L of 38 vaults, performed by top-level gymnasts, were assessed by 2D and 3D analysis in order to evaluate criterion validity and both intrarater and interrater reliability of the 2D method. Validity calculations showed higher accuracy for hpeak (±95% LoA: ±3.6% of average peak height) than for L (±95% LoA: ±7.6% of average length). Minor random errors, but no systematic errors, were observed in the examination of intrarater reliability (hpeak: CV% = 0.44%, p = 0.81; L: CV% = 0.87%, p = 0.14) and interrater reliability (hpeak: CV% = 0.51%, p = 0.55; L: CV% = 0.72%, p = 0.44). In conclusion, the validity and reliability of the 2D method are deemed sufficient (particularly for hpeak, but with some limitations for L) to justify its use in routine training of the vault. Due to its simplicity and low cost, this method could be an attractive monitoring tool for gymnastics coaches.

Age-Related Differences between Maximum Flight Height of Basic Skills on Floor, Beam and Vault and Physical Condition of Youth Female Artistic Gymnasts

“…The maximum flight height (maximum vertical displacement of the body’s center of gravity) was determined using the video analysis software Dartfish (Dartfish SA, Fribourg, Switzerland; Figure 3 ). Before the measurements, the video setting was calibrated two-dimensionally using a calibration rod [ 33 ]. The body’s center of gravity was determined visually at jump-off and at the highest point during flight using the software’s drawing tool.…”

“…Then, a vertical line between these two points was drawn by using the measurement tool in the software, and the maximum vertical displacement of the body’s center of gravity was calculated automatically according to the previous calibration. This video-based method to assess flight height was considered valid (±3.6% of maximum flight height) and reliable (intrarater reliability: CV% = 0.44%; interrater reliability: CV% = 0.51%) [ 33 ].…”

Evaluating 3D Human Motion Capture on Mobile Devices

“…They introduce OMS as the gold standard for motion capture [7]. Indeed, many studies [8][9][10][11][12][13] used OMS such as the Vicon motion capture system (Vicon, Oxford, UK) [14] or the Qualisys motion capture system (Qualisys AB, Göteborg, Sweden) [15] as reference measurement systems in their studies. OMS require multiple cameras or sensors around a subject and reflection markers on the subject's anatomical landmarks, which are then captured by the cameras or sensors.…”