Different coordination and flexibility of the spine and pelvis during lateral bending between young and older adults

This study examined coordination of the spine and pelvis during lateral bending of the trunk in older adults. Thirty-four healthy subjects (17 young and 17 older adults) demonstrated lateral bending at a controlled speed while holding a bar at approximately 180 degrees of shoulder flexion. Kinematic data collection was completed on the thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and pelvis. The coupling angle was calculated to examine the thorax–lumbar, lumbar–pelvis, and thorax–pelvis coordination patterns. The older adults demonstrated a reduced range of motion (ROM) of the lumbar spine, while both groups revealed similar ROM in the thorax and in the pelvis. The coupling angle between the straightening and bending phases was different only for the older adults in the thorax–lumbar (23.4 ± 8.0 vs. −1.6 ± 4.4, p = 0.004) and the lumbar–pelvis (65.4 ± 7.2 vs. 86.1 ± 7.8, p = 0.001) coordination. However, there was no group difference in the thorax–pelvis coordination. These findings indicate that age-related changes in the lumbar region affect coordination patterns only during the bending phase. The older adults preserved a similar pattern of movement to the young adults during the straightening phase, but the coordination variability of the coupling angles was greater for the older adults than for the young adults. This movement pattern suggests that the older adults lacked consistent trunk control in an attempt to optimize lateral bending coordination.     

Multi-segmental thoracic spine kinematics measured dynamically in the young and elderly during flexion

In contrast to the cervical and lumbar region, the normal kinematics of the thoracic spine have not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to characterize normal multi-segmental continuous motion of the whole thoracolumbar spine, during a flexion maneuver, in young and elderly subjects. Forty-two healthy volunteers were analyzed: 21 young (age = 27.00 ± 3.96) and 21 elderly (age = 70.1 ± 3.85). Spinal motion was recorded with a motion-capture system and analyzed using a 3rd order polynomial function to approximate spinal curvature throughout the motion sequence. The average motion profiles of the two age groups were characterized. Flexion timing of the thoracic region of the spine, as compared to the lumbar spine and hips, was found to be different in the two age groups (p = 0.011): a delayed/sequential motion type was observed in most of the young, whereas mostly a simultaneous motion pattern was observed in the elderly subjects. A similar trend was observed in flexion of the lower thoracic segments (p = 0.017). Differences between age groups were also found for regional and segmental displacements and velocities. The reported characterization of the thoracic spine kinematics may in the future support identification of abnormal movement or be used to improve biomechanical models of the spine.     

Spinal kinematics during gait in healthy individuals across different age groups

Most studies investigating trunk kinematics have not provided adequate quantification of spinal motion, resulting in a limited understanding of the healthy spine’s biomechanical behavior during gait. This study aimed at assessing spinal motion during gait in adolescents, adults and older individuals.Fourteen adolescents (10–18 years), 13 adults (19–35 years) and 15 older individuals (≥65 years) were included. Using a previously validated enhanced optical motion capture approach, sagittal and frontal plane spinal curvature angles and general trunk kinematics were measured during shod walking at a self-selected normal speed.Postural differences indicated that lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis increase throughout adolescence and reach their peak in adulthood. The absence of excessive thoracic kyphosis in older individuals could be explained by a previously reported subdivision in those who develop excessive kyphosis and those who maintain their curve. Furthermore, adults displayed increased lumbar spine range of motion as compared to the adolescents, whereas the increased values in older individuals were found to be related to higher gait speeds. This dataset on the age-related kinematics of the healthy spine can serve as a basis for understanding pathological deviations and monitoring rehabilitation progression.     

Trunk coordination in healthy and chronic nonspecific low back pain subjects during repetitive flexion–extension tasks: Effects of movement asymmetry,velocity and load

Multiple joint interactions are critical to produce stable coordinated movements and can be influenced by low back pain and task conditions. Inter-segmental coordination pattern and variability were assessed in subjects with and without chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). Kinematic data were collected from 22 CNSLBP and 22 healthy volunteers during repeated trunk flexion–extension in various conditions of symmetry, velocity, and loading; each at two levels. Sagittal plane angular data were time normalized and used to calculate continuous relative phase for each data point. Mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) were derived to quantify lumbar–pelvis and pelvis–thigh coordination patterns and variability. Statistical analysis revealed more in-phase coordination pattern in CNSLBP (p = 0.005). There was less adaptation in the DP for the CNSLBP group, as shown by interactions of Group by Load (p = .008) and Group by Symmetry by Velocity (p = .03) for the DP of pelvis–thigh and lumbar–pelvis couplings, respectively. Asymmetric (p < 0.001) and loaded (p = 0.04) conditions caused less in-phase coordination. Coordination variability was higher during asymmetric and low velocity conditions (p < 0.001). In conclusion, coordination pattern and variability could be influenced by trunk flexion–extension conditions. CNSLBP subjects demonstrated less adaptability of movement pattern to the demands of the flexion–extension task.     

Effects of experimentally increased trunk stiffness on thorax and pelvis rotations during walking

Patients with non-specific low back pain, or a similar disorder, may stiffen their trunk, which probably alters their walking coordination. To study the direct effects of increasing trunk stiffness, we experimentally increased trunk stiffness during walking, and compared the results with what is known from the literature about gait coordination with, e.g., low back pain. Healthy subjects walked on a treadmill at 3 speeds (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m/s), in three conditions (normal, while contracting their abdominal muscles, or wearing an orthopedic brace that limits trunk motions). Kinematics of the legs, thorax and pelvis were recorded, and relative Fourier phases and amplitudes of segment motions were calculated. Increasing trunk stiffness led to a lower thorax–pelvis relative phase, with both a decrease in thorax–leg relative phase, and an increase in pelvis–leg relative phase, as well as reduced rotational amplitude of thorax relative to pelvis. While lower thorax–pelvis relative phase was also found in patients with low back pain, higher pelvis–leg relative phase has never been reported in patients with low back pain or related disorders. These results suggest that increasing trunk stiffness in healthy subjects causes short-term gait coordination changes which are different from those seen in patients with back pain.     

Comparison of the trunk-pelvis and lower extremities sagittal plane inter-segmental coordination and variability during walking in persons with and without chronic low back pain

Inter-segmental coordination can be influenced by chronic low back pain (CLBP). The sagittal plane lower extremities inter-segmental coordination pattern and variability, in conjunction with the pelvis and trunk, were assessed in subjects with and without non-specific CLBP during free-speed walking. Kinematic data were collected from 10 non-specific CLBP and 10 non-CLBP control volunteers while the subjects were walking at their preferred speed. Sagittal plane time-normalized segmental angles and velocities were used to calculate continuous relative phase for each data point. Mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) were derived to quantify the trunk-pelvis and bilateral pelvis-thigh, thigh-shank and shank-foot coordination pattern and variability over the stance and swing phases of gait. Mann-Whitney U test was employed to compare the means of DP and MARP values between two groups (same side comparison). Statistical analysis revealed more in-phase/less variable trunk-pelvis coordination in the CLBP group (P < 0.05). CLBP group demonstrated less variable right or left pelvis-thigh coordination pattern (P < 0.05). Moreover, the left thigh-shank and left shank-foot MARP values in the CLBP group, were more in-phase than left MARP values in the non-CLBP control group during the swing phase (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the sagittal plane lower extremities, pelvis and trunk coordination pattern and variability could be generally affected by CLBP during walking. These changes can be possible compensatory strategies of the motor control system which can be considered in the CLBP subjects.     

Advanced age brings a greater reliance on visual feedback to maintain balance during walking

We implemented a virtual reality system to quantify differences in the use of visual feedback to maintain balance during walking between healthy young (n = 12, mean age: 24 years) and healthy old (n = 11, 71 years) adults. Subjects walked on a treadmill while watching a speed-matched, virtual hallway with and without mediolateral visual perturbations. A motion capture system tracked center of mass (CoM) motion and foot kinematics. Spectral analysis, detrended fluctuation analysis, and local divergence exponents quantified old and young adults’ dynamic response to visual perturbations. Old and young adults walked normally with comparable CoM spectral characteristics, lateral step placement temporal persistence, and local divergence exponents. Perturbed visual flow induced significantly larger changes in mediolateral CoM motion in old vs. young adults. Moreover, visual perturbations disrupted the control of lateral step placement and compromised local dynamic stability more significantly in old than young adults. Advanced age induces a greater reliance on visual feedback to maintain balance during waking, an effect that may compensate for degradations in somatosensation. Our findings are relevant to the early diagnosis of sensory-induced balance impairments and also point to the potential use of virtual reality to evaluate sensory rehabilitation and balance training programs for old adults.     

Lumbar spine coordination during axial trunk rotation in adolescents with and without right thoracic idiopathic scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex deformity that often leads to loss of coordination and dynamic posture. However, there is a lack of understanding on inter-segmental coordination in AIS. The purpose of this study was to compare spinal range of motion (ROM), as well as the relations to coupling angles (CA) in the spinal region during trunk rotation, between AIS and control subjects. There were 14 subjects with right thoracic AIS and 18 control subjects who participated in the study. All subjects were asked to perform five repeated axial trunk rotations in standing while holding a bar. The outcome measures included ROM at the first thoracic spinous process (T1), the seventh thoracic spinous process (T7), the twelfth thoracic spinous process (T12), and the first sacrum spinous tubercle (S1) by the motion capture system. The CA in each spinal region (trunk, lumbar spine, and lower and upper thoraces) were analyzed while considering age and body mass index (BMI). The Cobb angle demonstrated positive moderate relationships with ROM at T7 (r = 0.62, p = 0.04) and the CA in the upper thorax (r = 0.69, p = 0.02) in the AIS group. There was no CA difference at the spinous processes between groups; however, the lumbar spine ROM significantly decreased in the AIS group (t = 2.40, p = 0.02). The BMI demonstrated moderate relationships on the lumbar spine (r = −0.67, p = 0.02) in the AIS group and the lower thorax (r = 0.59, p = 0.01) in the control group. The lumbar spine was significantly dissociated in the AIS group during trunk rotation, although the Cobb angle demonstrated positive relationships with ROM at T7. Collectively, the inter-segmental CA indicated that the AIS group compensated more independently to the right thoracic convexity.Mini abstractThe coordinated trunk rotations in the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) group were compared with the control subjects. The lumbar spine motion was dissociated with the thorax in the AIS group and was negatively correlated with body mass index. Clinicians need to consider thorax convexity and dissociated lumbar motion for compensatory and rehabilitation strategies.     

Three-dimensional angular kinematics of the lumbar spine and pelvis during running

The objective of this study were to: (i) describe the typical three-dimensional (3D) angular kinematics of the lumbar spine and pelvis during running and; (ii) assess whether the movements of the lumbar spine and pelvis during running are coordinated. A cohort of 20 non-injured male runners who usually ran >20 km/week were voluntarily recruited. All trials were conducted on a treadmill at a running speed of 4.0 m/second. Reflective markers were placed over anatomical landmarks of the thoraco-lumbar spine and pelvis. Data were captured using a VICON motion analysis system. The lumbar spine and pelvis both displayed complex 3D angular kinematic patterns during running. High correlations were found for the comparisons of flexion-extension of the lumbar spine with anterior-posterior tilt of the pelvis (r=-0.84) and lateral bend of the lumbar spine with obliquity of the pelvis (r=-0.75). However, a poor correlation was found for the comparison of axial rotation of the lumbar spine with axial rotation of the pelvis (r=0.37). A phase difference of 21% of the running cycle was evident between axial rotation of the lumbar spine and pelvis. The identified coordinated kinematic patterns of the lumbar spine and pelvis during running serve as a basis for future investigations exploring the relationship between atypical kinematic patterns and injury.     

Age-related differences in the timing aspect of lumbopelvic rhythm during trunk motion in the sagittal plane

Forward bending and backward return of the human trunk in the sagittal plane are associated with a specific lumbopelvic rhythm, which consists of magnitude and timing aspects. In this study, the age-related differences in the timing aspect of lumbopelvic rhythm were investigated using the continuous relative phase method. Specifically, the mean absolute relative phase (MARP) between the thoracic and pelvic motions as well as variation in MARP under repetitive motions, denoted by deviation phase (DP), were characterized in sixty participants between 20 and 70 years old. MARP and DP were determined for trunk forward bending and backward return tasks with self-selected slow and fast paces. The MARP and DP were both smaller (p = 0.003, p < 0.001 respectively) in the older versus younger age participants with no gender-related difference. In fast versus slow pace task, the MARP was smaller (p < 0.001) only in forward bending, whereas the DP was smaller (p < 0.001) in both the forward bending and backward return. A more in-phase and more stable lumbopelvic rhythm denoted respectively by smaller MARP and DP in older versus younger individuals maybe a neuromuscular strategy to protect the lower back tissues from excessive strain, in order to reduce the risk of injury.     

Contralateral pelvic drop during gait increases knee adduction moments of asymptomatic individuals

PurposeThe current study purpose was to investigate the effects of contralateral pelvic drop gait on the magnitude of the knee adduction moment (KAM) within asymptomatic individuals.Methods15 participants walked on a dual belt instrumented treadmill while segment motions and ground reaction forces were recorded. Participants completed typical gait trials and pelvic drop gait trials. The net external KAM was calculated using inverse dynamics. Peak and impulse were identified. Frontal plane hip abduction/adduction and pelvic drop were determined. Correlations and paired t-tests were used for statistical hypothesis testing (alpha = 0.05).ResultsPeak hip adduction angle reached 4° (±6°) during pelvic drop trials compared to 0° (±6°) in the typical gait trials (p < 0.05) equating to 4° of pelvic drop. KAM impulse was higher in the pelvic drop trial (0.16 Nm s/kg ± 0.04) compared to the typical gait trial (0.13 Nm s/kg ± 0.05) (p < 0.001). Peak KAM was higher in the pelvic drop trial (0.55 Nm/kg ± 0.15) compared to the typical gait trial (0.40 Nm/kg ± 0.109) (p < 0.001). Correlations between change in KAM and change in hip adduction moment and pelvic drop were r > 0.80 (p < 0.001).ConclusionPelvic drop gait increased KAM peak and impulse. Results have implications for understanding relationships between frontal plane hip movement and the knee adduction moment during gait.     

Human pelvis motions when walking and when riding a therapeutic horse

A prevailing rationale for equine assisted therapies is that the motion of a horse can provide sensory stimulus and movement patterns that mimic those of natural human activities such as walking. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively measure and compare human pelvis motions when walking to those when riding a horse. Six able-bodied children (inexperienced riders, 8–12 years old) participated in over-ground trials of self-paced walking and leader-paced riding on four different horses. Five kinematic measures were extracted from three-dimensional pelvis motion data: anteroposterior, superoinferior, and mediolateral translations, list angle about the anteroposterior axis, and twist angle about the superoinferior axis. There was generally as much or more variability in motion range observed between riding on the different horses as between riding and walking. Pelvis trajectories exhibited many similar features between walking and riding, including distorted lemniscate patterns in the transverse and frontal planes. In the sagittal plane the pelvis trajectory during walking exhibited a somewhat circular pattern whereas during riding it exhibited a more diagonal pattern. This study shows that riding on a horse can generate movement patterns in the human pelvis that emulate many, but not all, characteristics of those during natural walking.     

High- compared to low-arched athletes exhibit smaller knee abduction moments in walking and running

High- (HA) and low-arched athletes (LA) experience distinct injury patterns. These injuries are the result of the interaction of structure and biomechanics. A suggested mechanism of patellofemoral pain pertains to frontal plane knee moments which may be exaggerated in LA athletes. We hypothesize that LA athletes will exhibit greater peak knee abduction moments than high-arched athletes.MethodsTwenty healthy female recreational athletes (10 HA and 10 LA) performed five over-ground barefoot walking and five barefoot running trials at a self-selected velocity while three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces were recorded. Peak knee abduction moments and time-to-peak knee abduction moments were calculated using Visual 3D.ResultsHigh-arched athletes had smaller peak knee abduction moments compared to low-arched athletes during walking (KAM1: p = 0.019; KAM2: p = 0.015) and running (p = 0.010). No differences were observed in time-to-peak knee abduction moment during walking (KAM1: p = 0.360; KAM2: p = 0.085) or running (p = 0.359).ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that foot type is associated with altered frontal plane knee kinetics which may contribute to patellofemoral pain. Future research should address the efficacy of clinical interventions including orthotics and rehabilitation programs in these athletes.     

Early static standing is associated with prolonged standing induced low back pain

Previous research points to the lack of movement during prolonged standing as a pre-disposing factor to low back pain (LBP). Such movements could be at the level of the lumbar spine or at the foot–ground interface. The primary purpose of this in vivo study was to determine if there were differences in magnitude, region, and frequency of movement patterns between non-pain developers (non-PDs) and standing induced pain developers (PDs). Thirty-two participants reported their LBP development using a visual analog scale over 2-h of prolonged standing. Time-varying lumbar spine kinematics were used to assess the magnitude and frequency of lumbar spine fidgets and shifts. Ground reaction forces were used to assess the magnitude and frequency of whole body weight transfers and anterior–posterior center of pressure movements. Fourteen of 32 participants (43.75%) were categorized as PDs. The first 15 min of standing distinguished the two pain groups, as non-PD performed a higher frequency of lumbar spine flexion/extension fidgets and large body weight transfers. Both of these differences may be pre-disposing factors for transient LBP development, as they both occurred prior to PDs reaching the 10 mm visual analog scale threshold for LBP classification.     

Vertical adaptation of the center of mass in human running on uneven ground

In running we are frequently confronted with different kinds of disturbances. Some require quick reactions and adaptations while others, like moderate changes in ground level, can be compensated passively. Monitoring the kinematics of the runner’s center of mass (CoM) in such situations can reveal what global locomotion control strategies humans use and can help to distinguish between active and passive compensation methods.In this study single and permanent upward steps of 10 cm as well as drops of the same height were used as mechanical disturbances and the adaptations in the vertical oscillation of the runners CoM were analyzed. We found that runners visually perceiving uneven ground ahead substantially adapted their CoM in preparation by lifting it about 50% of step height or lowering it by about 40% of drop height, respectively. After contact on the changed ground level different adaptations depending on the situation occur. For persisting changes the adaptation to the elevated ground is completed after the first step on the new level. For single steps part of the adaptation takes place while returning to the ground. The consistent adaptations for the different situations support the idea that controlling the CoM by adapting leg parameters is a general control principle in running.     

Applying an active lumbopelvic control strategy during lumbar extension exercises: Effect on muscle recruitment patterns of the lumbopelvic region

ObjectiveExamine whether implementing an active lumbopelvic control strategy during high load prone lumbar extension exercises affects posterior extensor chain recruitment and lumbopelvic kinematics.MethodsThirteen healthy adults acquired an optimal active lumbopelvic control strategy during guided/home-based training sessions. During the experimental session electromyography was used to evaluate the activity of the posterior extensor chain muscles during high load trunk/bilateral leg extension exercises with/without application of the strategy. Video-analysis was used to evaluate thoracic/lumbar/hip angles.ResultsImplementing the active lumbopelvic control strategy decreased the lordotic angle during trunk (p = 0.045; −3.2°) and leg extension exercises (p = 0.019; −10°). The hip angle was solely affected during trunk extension (p < 0.001; +9.2°). The posterior extensor chain (i.e. mean of the relative activity of all muscles (%MVIC) was recruited to a higher extent (p = 0.026; +9%) during trunk extension exercises performed with active lumbopelvic control. Applying the strategy during leg extension exercises lead to less activity of longissimus thoracic (p = 0.015; −10.2%) and latissimus dorsi (p = 0.010; −4.4%), and increased gluteus maximus activity (p ≤ 0.001; +16.8%).ConclusionsWhen healthy people are taught/instructed to apply an active lumbopelvic control strategy, this will decrease the degree of lumbar (hyper)lordosis and this influences the recruitment patterns of trunk and hip extensors. Hence, the possible impact on predetermined training goals should be taken into account by trainers.     

Landing pattern and vertical loading rates during first attempt of barefoot running in habitual shod runners

There is evidence supporting that habitual barefoot runners are able to disperse impact loading rates by landing pattern modification. Yet, case studies suggested that barefoot running may result in severe running injuries, such as metatarsal and calcaneal stress fractures. Injuries may be due to a difference in biomechanical response between habitual and novice barefoot runners. This study investigated the initial effects of barefoot running in habitual shod runners in terms of landing pattern modification and vertical loading rates. Thirty habitual shod runners (mean age 25.5 ± 5.2 years; 18 men; with a minimum running mileage of 30 km per week for at least one year) ran on an instrumented treadmill at 10 km/h shod and barefoot in a randomized order. Vertical average (VALR) and instantaneous loading rates (VILR) were obtained by established methods. Landing pattern was presented as a ratio between the number of footfalls with a heelstrike and the total step number. Twenty participants demonstrated an automatic transition to a non-heelstrike landing during barefoot running, whereas a mixed landing pattern was observed in 10 participants. Compared to shod running, both VALR and VILR were significantly reduced during barefoot running (p < .021). In the subgroup analysis, VALR for the shod condition was significantly higher than barefoot running, regardless of the landing pattern. VALR for the non-heelstrike pattern during barefoot running was significantly lower than participants with a mixed landing pattern. Conversely, we observed two participants who completely altered their landing patterns, presented high VALR and VILR values. Habitual shod runners presented lower loading rates during barefoot running but their landing pattern transitions were not uniform. Novice barefoot runners with a mixed landing pattern may sustain higher loading rates, compared with those who completely avoided heelstrike pattern. However, a complete landing pattern modification may not guarantee lower loading rates.     

Effects of calcaneal eversion on three-dimensional kinematics of the hip, pelvis and thorax in unilateral weight bearing

Understanding the kinematic chain from foot to thorax will provide a better basis for assessment of malalignment of the body. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of induced calcaneal eversion on the kinematics of the hip, pelvis and thorax in three dimensions under unilateral weight-bearing. Twenty-eight healthy males were requested to stand on one leg under three conditions: normal (standing directly on the floor), and on wedges producing 5° and 10° calcaneal eversion. Recorded kinematic parameters included the angles of the hip joint, pelvis, and thorax in three dimensions. Eversion induced by wedges produced significant increases in hip flexion, hip medial rotation, pelvic anterior tilt, and thoracic lateral tilt and axial rotation to the standing side. In the frontal plane, pelvic lateral tilt to the standing side was decreased in 5° eversion condition compared with normal condition; conversely, it was increased in 10° eversion condition compared with 5° eversion condition. Arch height was negatively correlated with change in thoracic axial rotation to standing side from the normal to 10° eversion (r = −.528, p < .01). We concluded that induced calcaneal eversion affects the three-dimensional kinematics of the thorax through the hip joint and the pelvis.     

The role of motion platform on postural instability and head vibration exposure at driving simulators

This paper explains the effect of a motion platform for driving simulators on postural instability and head vibration exposure. The sensed head level-vehicle (visual cues) level longitudinal and lateral accelerations (a_x,sensed = a_{x_head} and a_y,sensed = a_{y_head}, a_yv = a_{y_veh} and a_yv = a_{y_veh}) were saved by using a motion tracking sensor and a simulation software respectively. Then, associated vibration dose values (VDVs) were computed at head level during the driving sessions. Furthermore, the postural instabilities of the participants were measured as longitudinal and lateral subject body centre of pressure (X_CP and Y_CP, respectively) displacements just after each driving session via a balance platform. The results revealed that the optic-head inertial level longitudinal accelerations indicated a negative non-significant correlation (r = −.203, p = .154 > .05) for the static case, whereas the optic-head inertial longitudinal accelerations depicted a so small negative non-significant correlation (r = −.066, p = .643 > .05) that can be negligible for the dynamic condition. The X_CP for the dynamic case indicated a significant higher value than the static situation (t(47), p < .0001). The VDV_x for the dynamic case yielded a significant higher value than the static situation (U(47), p < .0001). The optic-head inertial lateral accelerations resulted a negative significant correlation (r = −.376, p = .007 < .05) for the static platform, whereas the optic-head inertial lateral accelerations showed a positive significant correlation (r = .418, p = .002 < .05) at dynamic platform condition. The VDV_y for the static case indicated a significant higher value rather than the dynamic situation (U(47), p < .0001). The Y_CP for the static case yielded significantly higher than the dynamic situation (t(47), p = .001 < 0.05).     

Intra- and inter-subject variation in lower limb coordination during countermovement jumps in children and adults

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the coordination pattern and coordination variability (intra-subject and inter-subject) in children and adults during vertical countermovement jumps. Ten children (mean age: 11.5 ± 1.8 years) and ten adults (mean age: 26.1 ± 4.9 years) participated in the experiment. Lower body 3D-kinematics and kinetics from both legs were obtained during 9 vertical jumps of each subject. Coordination pattern and coordination variability of intra-limb and inter-limb coupling were established by modified vector coding and continuous relative phase. The adult group jumped higher and with less performance variability compared to the children. Group differences were mainly observed in the right–left foot coupling. The intra-subject coordination variability was higher in coupling of proximal segments in children compared to adults. No group differences were observed in inter-subject variability. Based on these results, it was concluded that the same movement solutions were available to both age groups, but the children were less able to consistently utilize the individually chosen coordination pattern. Thus, this ability appears to be developed through normal ontogenesis.