Examining Impulse-Variability Theory and the Speed-Accuracy Trade-Off in Children’s Overarm Throwing Performance

in Motor Control

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Sergio L. Molina Missouri Western State University

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David F. Stodden University of South Carolina, Columbia

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/mc.2016-0046
Keywords:
accuracy; ballistic skill; force; motor control; speed
In Print:
Volume 22: Issue 2
Page Range:
199–210
Restricted access

This study examined variability in throwing speed and spatial error to test the prediction of an inverted-U function (i.e., impulse-variability [IV] theory) and the speed-accuracy trade-off. Forty-five 9- to 11-year-old children were instructed to throw at a specified percentage of maximum speed (45%, 65%, 85%, and 100%) and hit the wall target. Results indicated no statistically significant differences in variable error across the target conditions (p = .72), failing to support the inverted-U hypothesis. Spatial accuracy results indicated no statistically significant differences with mean radial error (p = .18), centroid radial error (p = .13), and bivariate variable error (p = .08) also failing to support the speed-accuracy trade-off in overarm throwing. As neither throwing performance variability nor accuracy changed across percentages of maximum speed in this sample of children as well as in a previous adult sample, current policy and practices of practitioners may need to be reevaluated.

Molina is with the Dept. of Health, Physical Education & Recreation, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO. Stodden is with the Dept. of Physical Education and Athletic Training, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.

Address author correspondence to Sergio L. Molina at smolina@missouriwestern.edu.
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