Description of the algorithms for testing the horizontal jump in a computerized testing system of gross motor skills

Abstract

Gross motor skills assessment is important for children, youth and adults and can be beneficial in the study and diagnosis of different health conditions. Classical tools are administered mainly by operators. A computerized system using sensors to assess the gross motor skills would enhance these tools, providing consistency of measurements, reduced human error and automated data collection. As part of a computerized system to measure gross motor skills using the KinectTM , we present the details of development of the algorithms to test the horizontal jump (HJ) skill. These algorithms were developed by translating the performance criteria into equations of the coordinates of anatomical landmarks describing an expected kinematic behaviour of relevant body parts. Testing of the algorithms showed that they were successful in correctly evaluating the performance criteria.