chapter2

Gravity and Ground Reaction Forces

  • Gravity: A force that pulls objects down towards the center of Earth.

  • Ground Reaction Force (GRF): The force exerted by the ground upward against gravity, counteracting it.

Friction

  • Friction Definition: The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.

  • Example of Friction in Sports:

    • Golf Shoes/Cleats: Designed to increase friction, preventing slipping, and allowing players to plant their feet firmly.

    • Pillowcase Example: Used under shoes to reduce friction for sliding purposes during exercises.

  • Friction Dynamics:

    • Increased by compression: Added weight or pressure between two surfaces enhances friction.

    • Decreased by traction: Using smooth surfaces or materials (like pillowcases) lessens friction and allows easier movement.

Types of Forces

  • Linear Forces: Two or more forces acting along the same line. They can act in the same or opposite directions, all following a linear path.

  • Parallel Forces: Forces occurring in the same plane and same or opposite directions, often represented in diagrams to demonstrate their alignment.

  • Perpendicular Forces: Forces acting at a 90-degree angle to one another.

Force Examples in Motion

  • Brace Example: An example showing various forces (anterior, posterior) working to support a patient with a compression fracture. The alignment of these forces assists in standing upright.

  • Force Couples: A system where forces act in different directions yet produce motion.

    • Example: A merry-go-round – two people pushing in opposite directions create circular motion.

    • Scapular Motion: Involves upper trap, lower trap, and serratus anterior muscles working together to achieve upward rotation of the scapula.

Concurrent Forces

  • Definition: Two or more forces acting on the same object but in different directions. They can be visualized as vectors creating a parallelogram shape, where the resultant vector represents the overall force acting on the object.

  • Deltoid Muscle Example: The anterior, posterior, and middle deltoids work together for shoulder abduction, showcasing how different muscle actions can lead to a common motion.

Effects of Forces

  • Traction Forces: Forces that create separation or distraction within joints. Seen when lifting heavy objects.

  • Compression Forces: Forces that push joints together, common during weight-bearing activities.

  • Shearing Forces: Result in a gliding motion of two surfaces. Excessive shearing can lead to injuries (strains or sprains).

  • Bending Forces: Involves compression on one side and traction on the opposite side, causing a bending effect around the joint.

  • Torsion Forces: Twisting forces that can result in injuries like spiral fractures if excessive stress is placed on a joint.

Velocity and Acceleration

  • Velocity: The rate of change in position of an object, considering both magnitude and direction.

    • Measurement: Typically expressed in units such as feet per second or miles per hour.

  • Acceleration: The rate of change of velocity, which involves both the speed and direction of an object.

Torque

  • Definition: A measure of the rotational force applied at a distance from an axis. It is the ability of a force to cause or increase rotation around an axis.

  • Calculation of Torque: Expression is given by extTorque=extForceimesextMovementArmext{Torque} = ext{Force} imes ext{Movement Arm}.

  • Movement Arm: The distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the force applied, crucial in understanding leverage in the body.

Newton's Laws of Motion

  1. First Law (Law of Inertia): An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by a net external force.

    • Example: In a car, when the driver accelerates or stops, passengers are subject to inertia against their seatbelts.

  2. Second Law (Law of Acceleration): The acceleration produced by a force on an object is directly proportional to the magnitude of the force and inversely proportional to the object's mass.

    • Formula: extForce=extMassimesextAccelerationext{Force} = ext{Mass} imes ext{Acceleration}.

    • Example: Kicking a soccer ball will send it farther than a bowling ball due to the difference in mass.

  3. Third Law (Action and Reaction): For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

    • Example: Jumping on a trampoline pushes down as the ground pushes back, facilitating upward motion.

Equilibrium and Stability

  • Equilibrium: A state in which the sum of forces acting on an object is zero, resulting in no linear acceleration.

  • Center of Mass vs. Center of Gravity:

    • Center of Mass: The point where the mass of an object is concentrated.

    • Center of Gravity: The point where weight is balanced, usually near the center of mass unless influenced by external conditions (e.g., pregnancy).

  • Base of Support: Refers to the area beneath a person that includes all points of contact with the supporting surface.

    • Stability Considerations: A person must maintain their center of gravity within their base of support to remain stable. Increasing the area of base support enhances stability.

Types of Motion

  • Linear Motion: All parts move in the same direction and distance simultaneously.

  • Curvilinear Motion: Movement along a curved path, not circular.

  • Angular Motion: Movement around a fixed point (axis), where different parts of the body may move through different angles but the same direction and time.

Simple Machines - Levers

  • Levers: Rigid bars that rotate around a fulcrum (axis). They can reduce the required effort to lift a load.

    • Classes of Levers:

    1. First Class Lever: The fulcrum is between the effort and the load. Example: See-saw, or the neck when nodding the head.

    2. Second Class Lever: The load is between the fulcrum and the effort. Example: Wheelbarrow or standing on tiptoes.

    3. Third Class Lever: The effort is between the load and the fulcrum. Example: Biceps during elbow flexion.

Pulleys and Inclined Planes

  • Pulleys: Systems that use wheels to change direction of force. They can be single fixed or moveable.

  • Inclined Planes: Ramps that reduce the effort needed to elevate objects, requiring less force over a longer distance.

    • Formula for Inclined Plane: For an elevation of one inch, there should be twelve inches of ramp length, facilitating easier access to higher surfaces.