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 angleangle 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.