A Dynamic Systems Analysis of Phase Shift Identification in Long Jump Performance: A Longitudinal Study

Dynamic systems theory predicts shifts in skill performance when one or more control parameters is altered. Kinnunen & Lewis (2006) identified structural-maturational variables (SM) that predict standing long jump (SLJ) performance in children age 7, at peak height velocity (PHV) (12 f, 14 m), and two years post PHV (14 f, 16 m). Shifts in SLJ performance have not yet been described along with associated rate attractors and limiters. PURPOSE: To identify phase shifts in SLJ performance at age 7, age at peak height velocity and 2 years post PHV and to identify rate attractors and limiters associated with peaks and deep wells in performance. METHODS: Participants (N = 487; 234 males, 258 females) were recruited at 40 months of age and were assessed until 6 months post-peak height. Thirteen SM measures and SLJ distance were collected semi-annually until participants reached adult height. Graph analyses, ANOVA and Pearson correlations identified phase shifts and associated control parameters. RESULTS: Significant phase shifts in SLJ performance were identified over time. SM control factors include: Radio-stylion length, various skinfolds, standing and sitting height and biacromial width. SM included in the analyses explained between 9.5% and 25.9% of the performance variance. SM identified as driving or limiting SLJ performance varied by age and sex. CONCLUSION: Improvement in motor skill performance from toddler to early adulthood occurs in progressive phases consisting of observable peaks and deep wells. Identifying SM associated with shifts in motor skill performance may modify motor development theory and pedagogy beyond identifying age-related characteristics of motor skill stages in the design of instructional plans for skill improvement across the lifespan.