CENTER OF GRAVITY

Francis Frimpong
 OBJECTIVES

• Define center of gravity, and explain the basis for its location in the human body.
• Estimate the location of the center of gravity of individuals in any position
• State the principles of equilibrium, and explain and demonstrate applications of each.
• Discuss the factors that affect the stability and energy cost of the erect posture.
• Explain the effects that the postural adaptations have on static and dynamic postures.
• Explain the value of both anticipatory and compensatory postural adjustments.
 CENTER OF GRAVITY (C of G)

• The “balance point” of the body.

• The point where the weight of the body acts.

• The point where all forces acting on the body equal zero:
• Linear forces must be balance.
• Torques must be balanced.
 CENTER OF GRAVITY (C of G)

• It is an imaginary point where there is intersection of all

3 cardinal plane.

• Imaginary point where all the mass of the body or

system is concentrated

• Point where the body’s mass is equally distributed

 CENTER OF GRAVITY (C of G)

• The location of the C of G

remains fixed as long as the
body does not change shape.

• If an object’s shape or position

changes, the location of the
center of gravity changes.
 Center of Gravity, Continued

• As one changes the relationship of the body segments

to each other, the Center of Gravity may even be
located outside the body.
 Placement of the Center of Gravity in Humans

• The location of the C of G of a human in standing position

varies with body build, age and gender.

• Female’s CG is 55% of standing height

• Male’s CG is – 57% of standing height

 STABILITY AND EQUILIBRIUM

• All objects at rest are in equilibrium

• All forces acting on them are balanced

• Sum of all linear forces equals zero

• Sum of all torques equals zero

• However, all objects at rest are not equally stable

 Stable Equilibrium

• Occurs when an object is

placed in such a fashion that
an effort to disturb it would
require its Center of Gravity
to be raised.
 Unstable Equilibrium

• When a slight
disturbance will drop
the objects CG to a
lower point.
 Neutral Equilibrium

• When an object’s CG is
neither raised nor lowered
when it is moving, or
disturbed.
 Factors Affecting Stability

• Three primary factors:

1. Size of the base of support.

2. Relation of the line gravity to the base of support.

3. Height of the center of gravity.

 Size Of The Base Of Support

• C of G must remain within the

base of support in order to
maintain equilibrium.

• Easier with larger base of

support.
 Shape of The Base Of Support

Resistance to Resistance to
forward forces lateral forces
 Height Of The Center Of Gravity

• Height of CG changes with body position.

• As CG moves closer to base of support more angular

displacement can occur before it goes beyond the base
of support.
a > b > c with respect to lateral stability
 Relationship Of The Line Of Gravity To
The Base Of Support

• To maintain equilibrium,
line of gravity must remain
within the base of support.
 Mass Of The Body

• Only a factor when motion or an external force is

involved.

• The greater the mass, the greater the stability.

• Amount of force needed to effect a change in motion in

proportional to the mass being moved.
 Segmental Alignment

Body consists of a series of segments

the problem of retaining equilibrium is a multiple one

When segments are aligned in a single vertical line, there

is less strain to joints and muscles

When one segment gets out of line, another segment must

compensate for it.
 Visual & Psychological Factors

• External visual cues may affect stability:

• Even if the supporting surface is adequate,
• The sense of balance may be disturbed by extraordinary
stimuli.
• Compensation: fix eyes on the stationary sport above or
beyond the “danger area”.
• seems to facilitate neuromuscular control by reducing the
disturbing stimuli.
 Physiological Factors

• Semicircular canals can affect equilibrium:

• Colds, viruses, and other problems that can affect the inner
ear may also interfere with balance.

• Any disturbance of the general physical condition is likely

to affect the sense of balance.