A novel method for comparing vector coding profiles

The aim of this study was to present a new method for comparing intra-limb coordination profiles utilising vector coding and coordination binning approaches. Three-dimensional kinematic data (250 Hz) were collected from six male sprinters performing bilateral and unilateral 30 cm drop jumps. Vector coding techniques were applied to sagittal plane angle-angle plots for the hip-knee, hip-ankle and knee-ankle joint couples and resulting coupling angles were binned into eight distinct coordination patterns. A ‘difference score‘ was calculated to provide discrete and continuous comparison of coordination profiles between each task. The method presented offers a simple, practical way for researchers and practitioners to understand and compare movement coordination between tasks and could be applied to any inter- and intra- individual comparison