Simple neuro-mechanical measure of the locomotor skill: an example of backward somersault.

We have studied skilled human locomotions in sports gymnastics by measurement and analysis of ground reaction force and myoelectric signals. Assuming the quality of performance to be a skill level criterion acquired signals were mathematically analyzed via basic signal processing and cross-correlation methods. The study of backward somersault yielded quantitative criteria of performance, proposing an original measure-an inter-muscular cross-correlation function. Besides motor learning, the quantification of movement skill introduced here also relates to possible applications in biocybernetics, robotics and rehabilitation medicine.