Stability And Balance

Question 1

What is stable/unstable equilibrium

Answer 1

Stable - verily likely to maintain
- potential energy is at minimum
- work must be done to change it
- likely to return to original posture

Unstable
- potential energy at or near maximum
- little work to change
- small movement takes gravity line outside base

Question 2

What is neutral equilibrium

Answer 2

• if not stable or unstable
• object moves but no change in potential energy
• base support small but doesn’t matter

Question 3

What are the reflex balance mechanisms

Answer 3

Actively controlling the shape of the body with active and passive stability

1. Ankle method
2. Hip
   3.stepping
   4.arm circle