The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between
the head-out aquatic exercise “Jumping jacks” kinematics and
the musical cadence in healthy and fit subjects. Five young
women, with at least one year of experience conducting headout
aquatic programs were videotaped in the frontal plane, with
a pair of cameras providing a double projection (above and
below the water surface). Subjects performed an incremental
protocol of five bouts (120 b·min-1, 135 b·min-1, 150 b·min-1,
165 b·min-1 and 180 b·min-1) with 16 full cycles of the “Jumping
jacks” exercise. Data processing and calculation of upper limbs’
(i.e. hands), lower limbs’ (i.e. feet) and center of mass’ 2D
linear velocity and displacement were computed with the software
Ariel Performance Analysis System and applying the 2DDLT
algorithm. Subjects decreased the cycle period during the
incremental protocol. Significant and negative relationships with
the musical cadence were verified for the center of mass and
upper limbs vertical displacement. On the other hand, for the
lower limbs lateral velocity, a significant and positive relationship
was observed. It is concluded that expert and fit subjects
increase the lower limb’s velocity to maintain the range of motion,
while the upper limb’s displacement is reduced to coupe
the music cadence.
