Multi-segmental movement patterns reflect juggling complexity and skill level

•Movement components were extracted from juggling kinematics.•Intermediates and expert participants were compared, juggling 3-5 balls.•Movement dimensionality increased with juggling complexity and in intermediates.•Experts showed reduced error-correction movements and better rhythmicity.

The juggling action of six experts and six intermediates jugglers was recorded with a motion capture system and decomposed into its fundamental components through Principal Component Analysis. The aim was to quantify trends in movement dimensionality, multi-segmental patterns and rhythmicity as a function of proficiency level and task complexity. Dimensionality was quantified in terms of Residual Variance, while the Relative Amplitude was introduced to account for individual differences in movement components. We observed that: experience-related modifications in multi-segmental actions exist, such as the progressive reduction of error-correction movements, especially in complex task condition. The systematic identification of motor patterns sensitive to the acquisition of specific experience could accelerate the learning process.