Provide an example of each of the 7 Principles of Biomechanics in action.

Question 1

Principle 1

Answer 1

Stability:
The more mass an object has, the lower its center of mass is to the ground, and the closer this point is to where the object is supported, the more stable it becomes.

Example: A low, heavy chair is harder to tip over than a tall, light one.

Question 2

Principle 2

Answer 2

Production of Maximum Force:
To produce the most force, you need to use all the joints that help with the movement.

Example: When kicking a soccer ball, you use your hip, knee, and ankle joints together for maximum force.

Question 3

Principle 3

Answer 3

Production of Maximum Velocity:
The production of maximum velocity requires the use of joints in order - from largest to smallest

Example: In a sprint, your legs and hips move first, followed by the smaller joints in your feet.

Question 4

Principle 4

Answer 4

The Impulse-Momentum Relationship:
The more force you apply over time, the faster something will move.

Example: The harder you push a swing, the higher it goes.

Question 5

Principle 5

Answer 5

Direction of Force Application:
Movement usually happens in the opposite direction of where the force is applied.

Example: When you push a shopping cart forward, it moves forward while the force goes in the opposite direction

Question 6

Principle 6

Answer 6

Production of Angular Motion (Torque):
Angular motion happens when a force is applied at a distance from a pivot point, creating torque.

Example: Using a wrench to loosen a bolt applies force at a distance from the pivot, creating torque.

Question 7

Principle 7

Answer 7

Conservation of Angular Momentum:
Angular momentum is constant when an individual or object is free in the air.

Example: A gymnast doing a flip keeps spinning until they land because their angular momentum is conserved.