Question

The following principles pertain to the concept of stability of an object, such as the human body as a whole. The principles are simple but practical when working with and handling patients.

For each of the following principles, cite an example that would be relevant to some aspect of therapy practice or sport:

1. In general, the lower the center of gravity (mass), the greater the body’s stability.

2. In general, greater stability of a body is obtained when the base of support is widened in the direction of an impending force.

3. Stability of a body requires that the line of gravity falls through the base of support.

Answer 1

Ans no 1) A player who is standing more grounded with hip and knee flexed will have more stability than a player standing erect. In American football or rugby defender or guards are grounded with low center of gravity to take impact and stay stable during initial kick off.

Ans no 2) in hockey during drag flick the leg is positioned widely so that the base of support would be greater which helps the player to shift greater amount of rotatory force to the ball

Ans 3) In case of athlete during starting of sprint, line of gravity is outside the base of support to get continued movement and acceleration. For greater acceleration base of support is kept further. Once a set speed is reached line of gravity is brought back closer to base of support, since body is more upright and to maintain stability, balance along with velocity