Energetic constraints on inter-segmental coordination in vertical jumping

The coordination and control of rhythmic, continuous movements are constrained by metabolic energy demands, but it is not known if coordination patterns during discrete, goal-directed tasks such as maximal-height vertical jumping are constrained by energetics. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which participants varied their inter-segmental movement patterns – as assessed by continuous relative phase – to exploit mechanical energy transfer (MET) between contiguous body segments during three different vertical jumping tasks. Participants exhibited significantly more MET at the ankle, knee and hip during Drop Jumps than Squat Jumps, and this was accompanied by a more in-phase shank-thigh coordination pattern. Thus, our preliminary analysis suggests that increased MET could be related to more in-phase inter-segmental movement patterns during vertical jumping.