Visualisation of Standing Long Jump Patterns Based on PCA and Inertial Sensors

Standing long jump (SLJ) represents a common exercise for assessing the physical abilities of both children and adults. In practice, the performance is usually evaluated by jump distance, while other aspects of the technique are often ignored. This study proposed a visualisation method of the SLJ movement pattern using the principal component analysis (PCA). Nine healthy students, divided into two groups based on their history of playing sports, participated in the collection of kinematic parameters of the lower and upper extremities during the performance of SLJ. The 2D PCA-based cyclograms were constructed and compared between subjects and groups. The results showed that all cyclograms had a similar shape with slight variations between subjects. The repeatability of the cyclogram forming was confirmed, as well as the representation of the existing symmetry in the body motion of the SLJ. As such, the proposed visualisation method has the potential for monitoring the processes of rehabilitation, training, and overall assessment of an individual's technique.