Centre of Gravity: Difference between revisions
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'''Original Editor '''- The [[Open Physio]] project. | '''Original Editor '''- The [[Open Physio]] project. | ||
'''Lead Editors''' - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page. [[Physiopedia:Editors|Read more.]] | '''Lead Editors''' - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page. [[Physiopedia:Editors|Read more.]] | ||
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==Introduction== | == Introduction == | ||
The '''centre of gravity (COG)''' of the human body is a hypothetical point around which the force of gravity appears to act. It is point at which the combined mass of the body appears to be concentrated. Because it is a hypothetical point, the COG need not lie within the physical bounds of an object or person. One subjective way (there are objective measures) to approximate the COG of an object is to visualise it balancing on one finger. | The '''centre of gravity (COG)''' of the human body is a hypothetical point around which the force of gravity appears to act. It is point at which the combined mass of the body appears to be concentrated. Because it is a hypothetical point, the COG need not lie within the physical bounds of an object or person. One subjective way (there are objective measures) to approximate the COG of an object is to visualise it balancing on one finger.<br> | ||
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== Centre of gravity in the human body == | == Centre of gravity in the human body == | ||
In the [[Anatomical position]], the COG lies approximately anterior to the second sacral vertebra. However, since human beings do not remain fixed in the anatomical position, the precise location of the COG changes constantly with every new position of the body and limbs. The bodily proportions of the individual will also affect the location of the COG. | In the [[Anatomical position]], the COG lies approximately anterior to the second sacral vertebra. However, since human beings do not remain fixed in the anatomical position, the precise location of the COG changes constantly with every new position of the body and limbs. The bodily proportions of the individual will also affect the location of the COG.<br> | ||
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== Stability and the centre of gravity == | == Stability and the centre of gravity == | ||
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References will automatically be added here, see [[Adding References|adding references tutorial]]. | References will automatically be added here, see [[Adding References|adding references tutorial]]. | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
*Norkin, C. & Levangie, P. (1992). Joint structure and function. ISBN: 0803665776 | *Norkin, C. & Levangie, P. (1992). Joint structure and function. ISBN: 0803665776 | ||
[[Category:Open_Physio]] [[Category:Articles]] | [[Category:Open_Physio]] [[Category:Articles]] | ||
Revision as of 14:13, 30 May 2011
Original Editor - The Open Physio project.
Lead Editors - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page. Read more.
Introduction[edit | edit source]
The centre of gravity (COG) of the human body is a hypothetical point around which the force of gravity appears to act. It is point at which the combined mass of the body appears to be concentrated. Because it is a hypothetical point, the COG need not lie within the physical bounds of an object or person. One subjective way (there are objective measures) to approximate the COG of an object is to visualise it balancing on one finger.
Centre of gravity in the human body[edit | edit source]
In the Anatomical position, the COG lies approximately anterior to the second sacral vertebra. However, since human beings do not remain fixed in the anatomical position, the precise location of the COG changes constantly with every new position of the body and limbs. The bodily proportions of the individual will also affect the location of the COG.
Stability and the centre of gravity[edit | edit source]
The direction of the force of gravity through the body is downward, towards the centre of the earth and through the COG. This line of gravity is important to understand and visualise when determining a person's ability to successfully maintain Balance. When the line of gravity falls outside the Base of support (BOS), then a reaction is needed in order to stay balanced.
When the line of gravity is within the BOS, an object or person is said to be stable. When the line of gravity falls outside the BOS, the object or person is said to be unstable. Given that the line of gravity must fall within the BOS in order to satisfy the criteria for stability, the following factors should be considered:
- A larger BOS increases stability (the line of gravity must move a greater distance to fall outside the BOS)
- A lower COG increases stability (it's unlikely that the line of gravity will fall outside the BOS)
Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
References will automatically be added here, see adding references tutorial.
- Norkin, C. & Levangie, P. (1992). Joint structure and function. ISBN: 0803665776
