Fundamentals of Body Balance and Movement

📋 Course Outline

1. Body Segment Shifts
2. Combined Body Center of Mass
3. Static Equilibrium
4. Dynamic Balance
5. Center of Mass in Motion
6. Acceleration Effects
7. Force and Momentum
8. Developmental Theories

📖 1. Body Segment Shifts

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Segmental centers of mass: The specific point within a body segment (limbs, head, torso) where the mass is considered to be concentrated, representing the balance point of that segment.
• Shifting of segmental centers of mass: The movement of the segmental centers of mass caused by bending or extending limbs, which alters their position relative to the body.
• Effect of segmental shifts on overall center of mass: Changes in the position of individual segmental centers of mass influence the total body center of mass (KSP), affecting balance and stability, especially during dynamic activities.
• Influence of limb movement: Bending or extending limbs causes the segmental centers of mass to move, which can either raise or lower the overall center of mass depending on the direction and extent of movement.
• Static vs. dynamic situations: In static conditions, the KSP remains over the support surface, maintaining balance; in dynamic movements, the KSP can move outside the support base, requiring acceleration to maintain equilibrium (see section 3).

📝 Essential Points