Measuring temporal and spatial accuracy in trampolining

Ferger Katja, Hackbarth Michel, Mylo Max D., Müller Carsten, Zentgraf Karen

Abstract

Abstract A new measurement system (horizontal displacement, time of flight, synchronicity-HDTS) was investigated regardingthe latest changes to the international evaluation rules in trampoline gymnastics. It allows for the real-time measurementof objective criteria, such as flight time and landing position, without affecting the gymnast. The aim of this study was toinvestigate the temporal and spatial accuracy of a measurement tool via cross-validation. Temporal precision was additionallytested via high-speed video landing and takeoff, while a three-dimensional motion capturing system was incorporatedfor spatial precision. The Bland-Altman "limit of agreement approach" was used for the assessment of congruence betweenthe measurement systems. The new measurement system presented an average spatial deviation of 3.2 cm and a temporaldeviation between - 5.8 and + 6.4 ms for the landing and - 11.3 and + 11.3 ms for the takeoff. Given its temporal and spatialaccuracy in determining flight time and landing position as identified through cross-validation, the novel HDTS systemproved to be suitable for its use in trampoline competitions.