Reliability and accuracy of a video analysis protocol to assess core ability

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Assessing core ability is crucial for athletic performance and injury prevention.
• Existing methods for core ability assessment may lack objectivity and reliability.
• 2-dimensional video analysis offers a potential solution for standardized core assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a core ability measurement method using 2D video analysis (SiliconCOACH).
• To establish a standardized exercise battery with progressive difficulty.
• To assess the reliability and accuracy of the developed method.

Main Methods:

• A standardized exercise battery (planks, side planks, leg bridges) was administered to female gymnasts.
• 2D video analysis (SiliconCOACH) and 3D motion capture were used simultaneously.
• Test-retest, interrater, and intrarater reliability were assessed, alongside accuracy against 3D motion capture.

Main Results:

• Excellent test-retest correlations were found for side planks (r²=0.84) and leg bridges (r²=0.95).
• High correlations were observed for pelvic displacement measurements between examiners (r²=0.86, ICC=0.92) and within an examiner (r²=0.92).
• Plank exercises showed excellent correlation with 3D motion capture measures (r²=0.92).

Conclusions:

• The core ability test battery, combined with the SiliconCOACH grading method, is accurate and reliable.
• This approach provides a valid tool for assessing core ability exercise performance in athletes.
• The method demonstrates strong potential for use in elite athletic training and evaluation.