Week 11-Balance/Agility

Question 1

How is balance achieved?

Answer 1

Centre of Mass
Gravity
Reaction Force
Base of Support

Question 2

Base of Support?

Answer 2

Area on the ground capable of supporting the centre of mass

Question 3

Centre of Pressure?

Answer 3

Central point of application of the ground force acting on the centre of mass

Question 4

Sensory Systems Used for Balance?

Answer 4

Static Balance
Systems - 
Vision (depth perception)
Vestibular (vestibular fluid)
Neuromuscular
(proprioception)

Question 5

Semi-circular canals?

Answer 5

Sense head position in space
Cupula sense fluid movement in canals
due to head displacements

Question 6

Somatosensory?

Answer 6

Sense of joint position and movement – protection from hyperextension

Question 7

Balance and Motor Development - 0-3years?

Answer 7

Visual dominance for balance

Question 8

Balance and Motor Development - 4-6 years?

Answer 8

Balance may decline. Attempt to integrate visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems

Question 9

Balance and Motor Development - 7+ years?

Answer 9

Decreased reliance on visual stimulus. Implications for performance?

Question 10

Dynamic Balance?

Answer 10

1. Stability during motion
2. Centre of mass can move outside base of support depending on movement dynamics
3. Related to agility

Question 11

Agility?

Answer 11

Ability to manipulate the body in space

Question 12

Importance of Agility?

Answer 12

Applicable for field sports (rugby, NFL)

Quick changes of direction - stimulus

Question 13

What does agility involve?

Answer 13

1. high speed movement
2. direction change
3. possible perceptual/decision making factors

Question 14

Assessing Agility?

Answer 14

Use of timing gates

Question 15

Improving agility?

Answer 15

Open vs. closed