Introduction
There are two main attributes of the centre of gravity (COG) that pose a huge impact on the stability of organisms. The location of the COG is determined by the shape of the body. As such, as the same body is assuming different forms, the position of the COG keeps varying. An individual who bends his/her legs is likely to lower his/her GOG position. This, together with other things, leads to higher stability. As strange as it may sound, at times, the COG does lie completely outside the body itself. For instance, if the body is unoccupied the COG will practically be sited somewhere in the air. The locale, about which the circulation of the single is symmetrical, is the COG of the body. Consequently is a body has more mass in the superior part, the COG will be situated at the top of the body. This is more common in humans, as the COG of an average individual is located roughly at a height of one hundred centimetres, therefore around the waist.
Typical movement biomechanics encompasses synchronous movements of every component of the kinetic chain (Milner and Clare et al. 2006, p. 322-23). The foot links the ambulatory surface to the rest of this chain. The foot performs multiple functions including adjustment to an uneven topography, proprioception for desired posture and balance as well as a force for thrust. During physical activities such as the gait cycle, the movement of the foot enables, and may be distressed by, the compensatory motion of the other bones and joints in the region beneath. Incorrect orientation of the lumbar spine and lower limb beneath can trigger a change in the mechanics resulting in injury (Paschalis and Vassilis, et al. 236-38; Dalen et al., 2008, p. 45-46). Therefore, it is vital to have a broad understanding of the biomechanics of these physical activities with respect to the kinetic chain in entirety.
In-depth Information about the Topic
Running biomechanics are determined by lower limb framework, especially the joints of the foot and ankle. The axis of spin with each joint permits the joints to have a principal plane of movement, vertical to the axis. For instance, the talocrural joint’s anatomy permits for an axis of rotation that regularly is in the frontal plane (Paschalis and Vassilis, et al., 2007, p. 236-38). As a result, the talocrural joint has its principal oscillate of movement in the sagittal plane; every joint interchange in all planes with a prevalent plane of motion. Ostensible ‘‘pronation’’ and ‘‘supination’’ are triplanar motions that encompass numerous joints of the foot (Milner and Clare et al., 2006, p. 322-23).
The lateral malleolus is situated on the posterior in relation to the medial malleolus; the talocrural joint axis passes mainly in the frontal plane with some posterior posture from the medial to the adjacent side (Paschalis and Vassilis, et al., 2007, p. 236-38). With regards to functionality, this leads to talocrural joint travel in the transverse plane and slight interchange in the frontal plane. In the free kinetic chain, as dorsiflexion appears accompanied by an external spin of the tibia. In the sealed kinetic chain, just like with the stance stage of ambulation, dorsiflexion prompts pronation of the foot following the internal spin of the tibial (Paschalis and Vassilis, et al., 2007, p. 236-38). The typical scope of movement in the ankle joint is about 45, with a minimum of 20 and a maximum dorsiflexion of about 35 of plantarflexion (Paschalis and Vassilis, et al., 2007, p. 236-38). Growth is an intricate biochemical and biological occurrence whereby programmed genetic representation outstandingly arrives at only when auspicious conditions manoeuvre throughout the whole period of growth (Milner and Clare et al., 2006, p. 322-23).
Growth-related maturation of various tissues and bones take place at varying biological stages and is induced by changes in endocrine function, more so during teenage life (Paschalis and Vassilis, et al., 2007, p. 236-38). Load‐bearing exercise, climbing or gymnastics, is constructively linked with higher bone mineral content and mass when juxtaposed with normative data. Lack of enough body fat is known to diminish the growth and development of bones in younger athletes (Milner and Clare et al., 2006, p. 322-23). The maximum transition of a skeletal system from childhood to adulthood and their biological functions are not realisable until about the age 19–20 years in females and a year or two later in males (Morrison and Schöffl 34-35).
The COG of the human body can be described as a hypothetical spot around which the force of gravity seems to act. The variability of the COG is quite common with respect age and change of body posture. Anatomically, the COG lies anterior to the second sacral vertebra. Nonetheless, human beings cannot remain still in one anatomical posture, the exact location of the COG is always varrying with every new posture (Milner and Clare et al., 2006, p. 322-23). The bodily proportions of the people are also known to affect the locale of the COG. In children, the COG varies with respect to age, size, weight, and body form and even sitting posture. In a study by Bartonek (2015, p. 336-341), it was revealed that the COG for children cannot be determines with precision in groups of seated children. A plot of COG fell within an asymmetrically ellipsoidal region. In was concluded that the COG is located vertically on the torso perpendicular to the lap belt level (Noé, 2015, p. 340-41; Paschalis and Vassilis, et al., 2007, p. 236-38).
In addition, age is linked poor stability as due to an unstable COG attested by high levels of injury. This is also associated with diminished muscle strength, flexibility, and changing gait biomechanics. Thus, older athletes whose health status may be declining as result of the natural history of ageing may face higher health risks because of gaming injuries and diminishing physical activity associated to a failing COG (Dalen et al., 2008, p. 45-46).
Opinion
An adequate study of this topic can unearth evidence‐based information to help inform the development and execution of a long‐term athletic training approach for dedicated athletes with minimal injuries. It integrates known physiological, developmental issues conventional to all athletes regardless of gender, race and age. By so, better outcomes will be realised with respect to reduction of the number of injuries. This is likely to encourage more people to engage in constructive physical activities to sustain a healthy lifestyle. The rising acknowledgement of aerobic exercise and other forms of exercises as a means of sustaining a healthy lifestyle has made many people participate in such activities more than ever. The high numbers of participants in these exercises translate to an increased incidence of injuries. Prevention and proper treatment of these injuries demand a thorough understanding of the biomechanics of walking and running as well as the other physical activities.
Bibliographic List
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MILNER, CLARE E., et al. 2006. "Biomechanical factors associated with tibial stress fracture in female runners." Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2006, Vol 38, No. 2, pp. 323-330.
MORRISON, A. B., AND V. R. SCHÖFFL .2007. "BJSM/2006/034827." Changes 2007, Vol. 2. No. 12
NOÉ, F. "Modifications of anticipatory postural adjustments in a rock climbing task, (2006). The effect of supporting wall inclination." Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 2006, Vol 16. No. 4, pp. 336-341.
PASCHALIS, VASSILIS, et al. 2007. "The effects of muscle damage following eccentric exercise on gait biomechanics." Gait & Posture, 2007, Vol 25. No. 2, pp. 236-242.
VAN DALEN, BAS M., et al. 2008. "Age-related changes in the biomechanics of left ventricular twist measured by speckle tracking echocardiography." American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 2008, Vol. 295. No. 4, pp. 1705-1711.
