Using Mean Absolute Relative Phase, Deviation Phase and Point-Estimation Relative Phase to Measure Postural Coordination in a Serial Reaching Task
Anne K. Galgon1,, Patricia A. Shewokis2
Author Information
1 Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
2 Drexel University, USA
Anne K. Galgon ✉ PT, PhD, NCS Associate Professor, 3307 North Broad Street, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA Email: anne.galgon@temple.edu
Publish Date
Received: 07-09-2015 Accepted: 11-01-2016 Published (online): 23-02-2016
Anne K. Galgon, Patricia A. Shewokis. (2016) Using Mean Absolute Relative Phase, Deviation Phase and Point-Estimation Relative Phase to Measure Postural Coordination in a Serial Reaching Task. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine(15), 131 - 141.
Anne K. Galgon, Patricia A. Shewokis. (2016) Using Mean Absolute Relative Phase, Deviation Phase and Point-Estimation Relative Phase to Measure Postural Coordination in a Serial Reaching Task. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine(15), 131 - 141.
The objectives of this communication are to present the methods used to calculate mean absolute relative phase (MARP), deviation phase (DP) and point estimate relative phase (PRP) and compare their utility in measuring postural coordination during the performance of a serial reaching task. MARP and DP are derived from continuous relative phase time series representing the relationship between two body segments or joints during movements. MARP is a single measure used to quantify the coordination pattern and DP measures the stability of the coordination pattern. PRP also quantifies coordination patterns by measuring the relationship between the timing of maximal or minimal angular displacements of two segments within cycles of movement. Seven young adults practiced a bilateral serial reaching task 300 times over 3 days. Relative phase measures were used to evaluate inter-joint relationships for shoulder-hip (proximal) and hip-ankle (distal) postural coordination at early and late learning. MARP, PRP and DP distinguished between proximal and distal postural coordination. There was no effect of practice on any of the relative phase measures for the group, but individual differences were seen over practice. Combined, MARP and DP estimated stability of in-phase and anti-phase postural coordination patterns, however additional qualitative movement analyses may be needed to interpret findings in a serial task. We discuss the strengths and limitations of using MARP and DP and compare MARP and DP to PRP measures in assessing coordination patterns in the context of various types of skillful tasks.
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