Postural control assessment in Wushu by using fractal dimension analysis

Abstract

In this study we investigated a nonlinear and a traditional time domain technique to analyze postural control of a balance motion in Wushu. For this goal we implemented fractal dimension analysis as the nonlinear method by using Higuchi algorithm which calculate fractal dimension directly from time series of movement of center of pressure in two directions of anterior/posterior and medial/lateral. Range of motion of center of pressure excursion was calculated as the traditional measure in both directions. One elite group and one non-elite group of Wushu sportsmen participated in this research. We found that the nonlinear method is sensitive to the level of proficiency.