Stability/Balance

Question 1

Define Stability.

Answer 1

Resistance to change.

The tendency of a body to remain or return to its initial position, following the application of force.

Question 2

Define Balance.

Answer 2

Maintaining equilibrium.

Question 3

Human stability helps people to be dynamic. Human balance involves what?

Answer 3

Control.

Question 4

When referring to balance, CoG must be over what?

Answer 4

CoG must be over the base of support.

Question 5

In terms of the base of support, explain when an individual will find it easier to balance.

Answer 5

The bigger the base of support, the easier it is to balance.

Question 6

What are the two different types of stability?

Answer 6

1. Passive

2. Dynamic

Question 7

What four factors does passive stability rely on? Explain what these factors mean.

Answer 7

1. Weight - larger the weight, the more stable the object.
2. Area of the base - larger the base, the more stable the object.
3. Horizontal distance of the CoG to the pivot point - how far must you push an object to move out its CoG.
4. Height of the CoG above the base - smaller height can remain stable for longer.

Question 8

List something/someone that will use dynamic stability.

Answer 8

Humans.

Question 9

What are the three classification of stability? Refer to equilibrium.

Answer 9

1. Stable equilibrium
2. Unstable equilibrium
3. Neutral equilibrium

Question 10

Potential energy is at what point when talking about stable and unstable equilibrium, respectively?

Answer 10

1. Stable = at a minimum.

2. Unstable = at or near a maximum.

Question 11

In stable equilibrium what is the natural response for the object?

Answer 11

Tendency to return back to its original position.

Work must be done to change the position of the object.

Question 12

In unstable equilibrium, how much work must be done to move the object?

Answer 12

Very little, if any, work must be done to take the gravity line outside the base and hence move the object.

Question 13

In neutral equilibrium, the object will move despite the what not changing?

Answer 13

Object moves, but no change in energy of the CoG.

Question 14

In neutral equilibrium, the base of support must be what?

Answer 14

Symmetrical.

Question 15

Humans find it difficult to balance. What four components of exercise science must we consider in order to understand how humans balance?

Answer 15

1. Biomechanics
2. Motor control
3. Psychology
4. Physiology

Question 16

At what point are humans passively stable?

Answer 16

When they are lying down.

Question 17

Humans can be referred to as dynamically stable systems. Where do the forces originate that help us to balance?

Answer 17

Muscles.