PREFERRED COORDINATION MODES IN THE FIRST STEPS OF THE LEARNING OF A COMPLEX GYMNASTICS SKILL

The aim of this experiment was to analyze the first coordination mod e s exhibited by novices in a complex gymnastics skill (the swings under parallel bars, in bent inverted hang position), compared to the coord ination mode of a group of experts. Eight novices and four experts wer e involved in the experiment. For experts a mode of coordination was p redicted which was characterized by a 2 : 1 frequency ratio between ve rtical and pendular oscillations of the body center of mass, with a 90 /270 degrees phase offset. In contrast a simpler coordination mode was expected for novices characterized by absolute frequency and phase sy nchronizations. Both predictions were supported by the results. Despit e a significant increase in the amplitude of the swings, no evolution seemed to occur in the coordination mode over eight sessions of practi ce. This experiment shows that the behavior of beginners, in a novel t ask, is highly constrained by the intrinsic dynamics of the system, an d that overcoming these spontaneous tendencies remains difficult. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.