Assessing Systemic Movement Through a Comparison of 3-D Acceleration, Workload and Heart Rate in Three Conditions

Abstract

Dynamic systems theory suggests that resulting human movement occurs from multiple factors. An open or complex system is one that self-organizes in response to the demands placed on it. To consider systemic movement is to consider the demands placed on the body required to produce that movement. Based on literature review, systemic measurement is best accomplished through multiple approaches. Due to its' capacity to measure movement in multiple ways a solid-state 3D accelerometer appears to be a viable tool for systemic assessment. PURPOSE: Using the metric of acceleration, the goal of this study was to measure systemic movement to: determine characterizations of a given movement patterns, and establish a relationship between HR, workload and acceleration. Due to the complexities of obtaining meaningful holistic measures, the researchers attempted to control differences that may result in acceleration variance: single subject (experienced exerciser), maintain constant HR, and perform controlled movement patterns. METHODS: A 3-D accelerometer was placed on the trunk to measure kinetic activity during SS THR exercise. After a 5-min warm-up, subject (N=1, 44 y.o.) was asked to maintain 60-70% (126-137 bpm) HR (age predicted) for 4 minutes during 3 CV exercises: Elliptical Trainer, Rowing, and Treadmill. To-be-analyzed data was identified as 10 sec (30mHz) of consistent acceleration occurring during 30 to 90 seconds of the trial. RESULTS: A comparison of condition to axis of movement was completed through a one-way ANOVA analysis that revealed significant acceleration differences occurred between conditions in each movement plane: X (P=0.026), Y (P=0.001), Z (P=0.007). Due to the demands of each condition a wide range of sample "stepping" rates prohibited the ability to complete a valid post hoc test. These findings however, were supported with descriptive data, which indicated that while maintaining a constant avg. HR (127.0 +/- 2.2 bpm) a variance in workload (182.5, +/- 17.5 watts) occurred between conditions. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that movement differences are significant with type of cardiovascular activity. The use of novel low-cost technology successfully expressed systemic movement. These findings promote a need for deeper inquires for a greater sample size and summative accelerations.