3D analysis of posturo-kinetic coordination associated with a climbing task in children and teenagers

The aim of this study was to characterize the modifications of the posturo-kinetic coordination during a climbing task as a function of postural and/or movement constraints in children (8-10 years) and adolescents (10-15 years). A 3D-analysis of forces was recorded for different movement amplitudes and types of holds. The results show the involvement of horizontal and vertical forces to maintain equilibrium during the steady state changes for different experimental groups. The contribution of horizontal and vertical forces changes in the course of movement realization. The vertical momentum (Iz) is mainly involved in the movement initiation: this role is mostly meaning for children. The horizontal momentum (Ih) is mainly involved in controlling equilibrium: this role is mostly meaning for adolescents.