Blog 8/28/2024

Comparison of the Paradiddle Through Transformed Data

As seen in the last blog, most of the data analysis will be performed through a transformation matrix; to where the all anatomical markers and vector share a similar midpoint. Below are the anatomical markers for the right hand in the resultant vector (experiment 1, 2, and 3). 

As seen in the charts above, there are a few marked differences in the shape of the movement for the paradiddle at 60bpm for a year's time. For the experiment date 10.01.16, the maximum (and minimum with a negative value) is about 5.611 cm. This differs from the value of about 1.74 cm (maximum value) and -3.26 cm (minimum value). The difference in the maximum and minimum value for 10.29.15 may be due to the phenomenon of the apex of the up stroke having a greater range of values than the remainder of the stroke types (down and tap). 

For the experiment date 10.29.15, one of the differences in the rudiment of the paradiddle is between the minimal values of the elbow in the resultant vector and the wrist in the resultant vector. The minimum value for the elbow anatomical marker in the resultant vector is -5.29 cm while the minimum value for the radius anatomical marker is -3.26 cm. This gives a difference of about 2.03 cm for the minimum values for each anatomical marker in the resultant vector. 

For the experiment date 10.01.16, the minimum value for the elbow anatomical marker in the resultant vector is about -3.07 cm, and -2.44 cm for the radius anatomical marker in the resultant vector. The difference of the two minimum values for each anatomical marker in the resultant vector is about .63 cm. The difference between the 10.29.15 and 10.01.16 trials for the anatomical markers discussed is about 1.4 cm. 

What this means is that the later trial, 10.01.16, has more concise movement between the minimum values for both the radius and elbow anatomical marker in the resultant vector.  

What does this mean?

This short, statistical analysis offers insight into the progression of one drummer over a period of time. While any drummer is able to perform this experiment, the data seen in this particular post is of one drummer; which means other drummers will have similiar movements, but not exactly the same movements over time. This can be said because the one drummer does not have the same exact movements within himself. 

The data suggest that the drummer's practice method over this year's time shows, through the data, that the drummer has a more concise movement pattern for the right shoulder, elbow, and wrist. This is the practice of the rudimental drummer. 

Below, are videos from the 10.01.16 trail for the paradiddle: