Functional analysis of stability and variability in multiple forward somersaulting dives from the 3m springboard

Abstract

Springboard diving is an evolving sport, with the degree of difficulty increasing for competition success. Understanding the underlying coordination strategies associated with performing complex dives is important to optimise performance. The overall aim of this body of work was to implement modern technology to investigate within-participant variability of springboard divers. Following accuracy testing, IMUs were used to measure multiple forward somersault dives. Discrete angular kinematic analysis demonstrated that divers achieved consistent Total Flight angular displacements by using a feedback control strategy to link and adapt the timing and rate of angular deceleration during the Opening phase. fPCA was employed to more definitively examine structural differences and magnitude of repetitive technical movement characteristics of angular velocity time-series. fPCA demonstrated that lower skill was associated with a random structure of angular velocity performance, larger magnitudes of variability and a larger number of significant correlations between angular velocity and performance kinematics. This was associated with learning to link the multiple phases of dive flight. Divers performing at a higher level of proficiency were more stable in their repeated performances, exhibiting greater aerial awareness and utilising a prospective feedback strategy. This allowed the more experienced divers to functionally adapt and control their angular velocity throughout the entire movement sequence. Within-participant study designs are important to preserve and understand the underlying nature, technique and strategies of individuals. It is recommended that future research should move from between-participant study designs, which produce normative values of performance, to within-participant designs to more proficiently examine individual performance, optimise technique, reduce performance error and improve overall skill.