Lab - Principles of Biomechanics

PSK4U
Name: mikaela Mark: /20 T
Lab – Principles of Biomechanics
The ability to maintain one’s balance is crucial in almost every physical activity or sport. Biomechanical
Principle 1 applies whether you are on a sidewalk, a skateboard, a bike, a balance beam or a football.
You will assume each of the following positions and determine their relative stability.
a) Standing upright on one foot on

b) standing upright on two feet, feet together
c) standing upright on two feet, feet shoulder width apart
d) standing upright on two feet with weight displaced forward, leaning with both hands on an
object placed about two-thirds (⅔) of a meter inform of you. For this, you can use a desk, metre
stick, sofa, bed, etc.
e) standing upright on two feet with weight displaced forward, leaning on a stationary chair
f) standing upright on two feet, feet placed one foot in front of the other about one metre apart
Hypothesis:
Predict which position from a to e will be the least stable.
Remember that a hypothesis is a prediction + a reason/explanation. ( /2)
Position a, standing upright on one foot, will be the least stable because the base of support is
smallest, making it more difficult to maintain balance.
Analysis Questions
1. Which position is the most stable, relatively speaking? Explain your observations. ( /2)
Position c, standing upright on two feet, feet shoulder width apart, is the most stable of the positions
listed. This is because the base of support is largest in this position, making it easier to maintain
balance. Additionally, the center of mass is located directly above the base of support, which helps to
prevent the body from falling over.
2. Which position is the least stable, relatively speaking? Explain your observations. ( /2)
Position a is the least stable due to its smallest base of support and higher center of mass.
3. How do you think the stability of these positions would change if someone pushed you gently
and continuously with two hands on the anterior part of your shoulder? Which position
would be the most stable and which would be the least? Explain your reasoning. ( /4)
The stability of each position would be altered if two hands were gently and repeatedly applied to the
front of your shoulders.
Because the base of support is the greatest and the centre of mass is situated precisely above the
base of support, position c, standing straight on two feet with feet shoulder width apart, would be the
most stable.
Standing upright on one foot in position a would be the least stable since the centre of mass is higher
in the body and the base of support is smaller, making it easier to lose balance.
Because the weight is moved forward, which causes the centre of gravity to change, positions d, e,
and f would be more stable than position a but less stable than position c.
4. Describe three (3) specific examples in sport where the base of support and stability (or lack of
stability) can benefit performance. ( /3)
1. In gymnastics, athletes perform various poses and movements on a balance beam. The narrow
base of support requires a great deal of balance and stability, which is essential for executing moves
like handstands and flips.
2. In soccer, players often need to change direction quickly while running. A wider base of support can
provide more stability during these movements, making it easier to maintain balance and control the
ball.
3. In weightlifting, athletes often use a wide stance to increase their base of support and improve
their stability. This allows them to lift heavier weights without losing their balance.
5. Stand up, bend from the waist, and reach for your toes without bending your knees. Now
repeat these actions, but this time stand with your gluteus Maximus and both of your
calcaneus touching the wall.
A) What results do observe? ( /1)
Standing with gluteus Maximus and calcaneus touching the wall increases range of motion and
enables toe touch, maintaining proper alignment and enabling toe touch.
B) Why do you think these observations are the case? (Relate your observations to the centre
of gravity, the line of gravity, and the base of support.) ( /2)
The wall serves as a reference point for the position of the hips and lower back when standing with
your gluteus maximus and both of your calcaneus touching the wall and bending from the waist to
reach for your toes without bending your knees, which helps to maintain good alignment. As a result,
there is more stability and range of motion since the centre of gravity stays inside the base of support
and the line of gravity passes through its middle.
6. What is the branch of mechanics that studies changes in the motion of objects or bodies as a
result of the actions of forces action on them? ( /1)
The branch of mechanics that studies changes in the motion of objects or bodies as a result of the
actions of forces acting on them is called "dynamics".
7. What principles are athletes applying when they “give something their all”? ( /1)
Athletes use force and motion to generate more power, move with greater speed and agility, and
achieve their goals in their respective sports.
8. What kind of lever is plantar flexion an example of? Explain what structures act as the
fulcrum. effort, and resistance ( /2)
Plantar flexion is a third-class lever, where the fulcrum is located at the ankle joint and the effort is
generated by muscles in the back of the leg. The resistance is provided by the weight of the foot and
any additional weight being lifted. The effort arm is shorter than the resistance arm, requiring more
force to be generated.
Due: Friday, June 2nd, 2023

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PSK4U

Name: mikaela Mark: /20 T

Lab – Principles of Biomechanics

a) Standing upright on one foot on

Due: Friday, June 2nd, 2023

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