BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Laboratory Experiments: Measrement an! Interpretation o" t#e $inemati%s o" t#e
Center o" &ra'ity o" t#e Hman Bo!y
Dr. Eugene W. Brown
Prposes:
These laboratory experiments have several purposes. They include:
1. developing or reviewing the concepts of levers
!. understanding how to use a reaction board to calculate the center of gravity
of the human body
". understanding how to use the segmental method to calculate the center of
gravity of the human body
#. understanding the use of Walton templates in determining the center of mass
of various segments of the human body
$. reviewing concepts of mass segment parameters
%. understanding the concept of the center of gravity
&. reviewing concepts of pro'ectiles and vectors
(. developing an understanding of experimental methods in biomechanics
). learning how to use a camera for two dimensional videography
1*. understanding the relationship of experimental error to measurements
recorded
11. preparing sub'ects for participation in research experiments
1!. setting up experimental procedures in biomechanics
1". understanding how to calculate field and frame rates and
1#. learning how to report the results of laboratory experiments.
List o" E(ipment an! Spp)ies
1. acetate grids
!. adult male and female sub'ects
". bac+ground curtain
#. bloc+ to support reaction board
$. calculator
%. camera tripod
&. carpenter,s s-uare
(. computer and software for down loading video images
). fiducial mar+ers
1*. laser pointer
11. level
1!. mass.segment data sheet
1". plumb bob
1#. reaction board
1$. reference measure /meter stic+0
1%. sub'ect and trial board and numbers
1&. tape
1(. tape measure
1). timing light box
!*. video camera
!1. video tape
!!. Walton Template
!". weight scale
!#.
!$.
!%.
!&.
*e"inition o" Terms:
1. center of gravity 1 center of mass distribution of an ob'ect
!. e-uilibrium 1 a condition in which the sum of all forces and tor-ues acting on
an ob'ect e-uals 2ero resulting in a constant linear and angular velocity
". fiducial 1 two or more mar+s placed in the field of view of a video or motion
picture camera /usually at the outer edges of the field of view0 to be used
to align se-uential images to a laboratory coordinate system
#. field rate 1 the number of pictures of video captured in a +nown period of time
/e.g. "* fields3second0
$. frame rate . the number of pictures of motion picture film captured in a +nown
period of time /e.g. 1** frames3second0
%. optic axis of lens 1 line perpendicular to the long axis of a lens
&. perspective error 1 error which occurs when parts of a body or implement lie
outside the principle photographic plane4 image of segment closer to the
camera appears larger and segment farther away appears smaller
(. plumb bob 1 weighted string that hangs vertical which is used for spatial
orientation
). reaction board 1 board that is used as a lever to transmit force to weighted
scale for purposes of determining the center of mass of ob'ects /e.g.
human body0 placed on it
1*. reference measure 1 an ob'ect of +nown length /e.g. meter stic+0 that is
placed in a plane that is perpendicular to the optic axis of the lens of a
camera that is used to assist in determining distance measurements in the
same plane
11. segmental method 1 procedure used to calculate the center of mass of a multi.
segmented system /e.g. human body horse0 that is based on +nown
segment masses and mass centers of gravity of a similar model /e.g.
cadaver of a human cadaver of a horse0
1!. timing lights 1 electronic device that uses lights to accurately display time
1". vector 1 a measure that is represented by magnitude and direction /e.g.
displacement velocity acceleration force momentum0
1#. Walton template 1 a standard measurement device uni-ue to each segment of
the body that is used to determine the location of the center of gravity of
each body segment based on +nown proportions of the center of gravity
from the proximal and distal ends of each segment
1#. whole body method 1 a procedure for determining the location of the center of
gravity of a multi.segmented system /e.g. human body horse0 in one
configuration without regard for the position of individual segments
/e.g. reaction board pendulum0
1$.
1%.
+e'ie,:
1. 5ro'ectile
!. 6ectors
+ea%tion Boar! "or t#e Ca)%)ation o" -#o)e Bo!y Center o" &ra'ity
Basically the reaction board method for the calculation of the center of gravity of the
whole body is based on the principle of levers. 7n a static lever system the sum of the
forces and the sum of the tor-ues are e-ual to 2ero. The reaction board system is such a
system. 7f an imaginary fulcrum is placed at the +nife edge aligned with the dorsum of
the feet the sum of the positive /countercloc+wise0 tor-ues and negative /cloc+wise0
tor-ues must e-ual to 2ero. 7n other words:
/8s0/ 9b0 : /Wtboard0/ 13!9b0 ; /Wtbody0/ 9cg0
7n this e-uation the only variable that is not +nown is the location of 9cg. Therefore we
can solve for this parameter.
8s
Wtbody
Wtboard
13!9b
9cg
9b
$ey:
8s 1 force read at the scale4 upward force applied to the board by
the scale
Wtbody 1 weight of the body acting downward at the center of
mass of the body
Wtboard 1 weight of the board acting downward at the center of
the board
9b 1 length of the board
9cg 1 distance of the center of gravity of the body to the dorsum
of the feet
Se.menta) Met#o! "or t#e Ca)%)ation o" Center o" &ra'ity o" t#e Bo!y
This method is based on segmental mass proportions derived from cadaver studies. 7f we
can approximate /10 the proportion of weight /mass0 that each segment is of the whole
body and /!0 the location of the center of gravity of individual segments in a <artesian
axis system we can approximate the location of the center of gravity in an image of the
human body. This image can be a picture a series of pictures in a film or a series of
pictures in a video se-uence. =ote that this method results in only an approximation for
the location of the center of gravity of the human body because we can not guarantee that
the proportions of the live individual are exactly the same as the proportions of the
cadavers upon which this method is based. The steps in this process are as follows:
1. 9ocate the ends of the defined segments according to the lin+ segment boundaries
and place a mar+ at these points. This will result in mar+s at the end of the second
toe an+le +nee hip +nuc+le 777 of the hand wrist shoulder seventh cervical
vertebra and top of the head. Be careful to perceive the segments as three
dimensional images even though the picture is seen in two dimensions.
!. >oin the segments to form a stic+ figure consisting of 1# segments. =ote that the
trun+ segment goes from the seventh cervical vertebra to the midpoint of the line
connecting the two hips
". Determine the coordinates of the extremes of each of the 1# segments.
#. ?se cadaver data on the location of the center of gravity as a proportion of segment
length from the proximal and distal ends of the segments /see @egmental Aethod 1
<enter of Bravity Table0 to determine the location of the center of gravity of each
of the segments in the picture. =ote that a special template called the Walton
template can be used for this step.
$. Enter the coordinates of the center of gravity of each segment into the table
provided /see @egmental Aethod 1 <enter of Bravity Table0 and multiply these
values by the respective body segment proportion of weight /mass0.
%. The sum of these products is the calculated location of the center of gravity of the
body relative to the coordinate system being used.
Se.menta) Met#o! / Center o" &ra'ity Tab)e
Bo!y
Se.ment
Center o" Mass
Lo%ation "rom:
Proportion
o" Bo!y
-ei.#t
0 /
Va)e o"
t#e
Center
o"
&ra'ity
0 1
Pro!%t
Y /
Va)e o"
t#e
Center
o"
&ra'ity
Y 1
Pro!%t
Prox2
En!
*ista)
En!
1. Trun+ .$%! .#"( .#(%
!. Cead
and
=ec+
.$%& .#"" .*&)
". D.
Thigh
.#"" .$%& .*)&
#. D.
@han+
.#"" .$%& .*#$
$. D. 8oot .$ .$ .*1#
%. 9.
Thigh
.#"" .$%& .*)&
&. 9.
@han+
.#"" .$%& .*#$
(. 9. 8oot .$ .$ .*1#
). D. Erm .#"% .$%# .*!&
1*. D.
8orearm
.#" .$& .*1#
11. D.
Cand
.$*% .#)# .**%
1!. 9.
Erm
.#"% .$%# .*!&
1". 9.
8orearm
.#" .$& .*1#
1#. 9.
Cand
.$*% .#)# .**%
3.)&1 0
pro!%t
Y
pro!%t
&enera) Met#o!s an! Pro%e!res:
There will be " experiments to highlight the position and movement of the center of
gravity of the human body. 7n addition principles of pro'ectile movement will be
reviewed. St!ents mst s#are t#e responsibi)ity o" %arryin. ot t#ese
experiments444 The general methods and procedures for each of these experiments is as
follows:
1. @ub'ect 5reparation
a. The sub'ects should be dressed with minimal clothing /tan+ top or no
shirt and shorts0 to /10minimi2e the influence of clothing on the position
of the center of gravity of the body and /!0not obstruct the view of the
body and body landmar+s.
b. Before collecting data each sub'ect should be familiar with the setting
and tas+ re-uirements.
c. Each sub'ect should not be exposed to any physical harm as a result of
performance and3or physical limitations.
d. 8or any strenuous activity sub'ects should be provided with a warm up
and a few practice trials. They must also be apprised of the tas+s they
are being as+ed to perform. This may reduce the chance of in'ury.
!. @et ?p of Deaction Board
a. @ee figure in section entitled Deaction Board for the <alculation of
Whole Body <enter of Bravity.
b. The board must be supported at both ends /at one end by the platform of
a weight scale and at the other end by a board0.
c. Fne +nife edge of the reaction board should be centered on the platform
of the weight scale and the other should be centered on the wooden
support.
d. The surface of the reaction board must be level.
e. The reaction board must support the sub'ects, weight without
appreciably bowing or brea+ing.
". @et ?p of 6ideo <amera
a. The video camera must be positioned relatively far from the reaction
board to minimi2e perspective error.
b. 9evel the camera and orient the optic axis of its lens so that it is
perpendicular to the long axis of the reaction board and plane of
movement.
c. ?se the lens to 2oom in and focus on the activity plane. Then 2oom out
to ma+e the field of view as small as possible to maximi2e the sub'ect
si2e. Aa+e sure the entire sub'ect or performance se-uence can 'ust be
seen in the field of view.
d. 5lace a plumb bob reference measure fiducials and timing lights in the
field of view.
e. ?se a contrasting curtain in the bac+ground to highlight the sub'ects and
reaction board.
#. <alibration of 8ield Date of 6ideo <amera
a. 6ideo tape the timing lights.
b. Determine the time from the timing lights for field one.
c. <ount fields from field one to some other field approximately three
seconds later in time.
d. <alculate the field rate.
8ield rate : number of fields 1 one
time transpired from field one to last field
$. Data <ollection
a. Ell data should be collected as accurately as possible.
b. Es data is being collected note where inaccuracies occur and potentially
use this information to 'ustify results.
Spe%i"i% Met#o!s an! Pro%e!res:
7n addition to the general methods and procedures the " experiments have their own
specific methods and procedures that must be followed.
Experiment 1 Whole Body Calculation of the Center of Gravity via Reaction
Board Lying Position
a. Eccurately determine the G.value location of the center of mass of the
reaction board4 assume the location is H total length of homogeneous
board /i.e. measure board in metric units and divide by !0.
b. Determine the weight of the reaction board in metric units by weighing
it on a calibrated scale.
c. <hec+ the alignment of the I+nife edgesJ /angle iron0 on both ends of
the reaction board. Their vertical surface should be aligned with the
ends of the reaction board.
d. <hec+ the height of the wooden bloc+ that is used to support the reaction
board. 7t should be e-ual in height to the height of the surface of the
scale. Thus the reaction board supported by the scale and wooden
bloc+ will be level.
e. Weigh each sub'ect in metric units as accurately as possible on a
calibrated scale. Each sub'ect should be wearing only shorts and tan+
top.
f. Eccurately measure the height of each sub'ect using the metric system.
g. 5osition one +nife edge of the reaction board on center of the scale and
the other on the center of the supporting wooden bloc+.
h. 5rior to getting a sub'ect,s weight on the reaction board have him3her
straddle the reaction board and lower his3 her body gently onto the
board.
i. Fnce a sub'ect is on the reaction board have him3her assume a
stationary anatomical position with the hands at the sides of his3her body
and the dorsum of the feet perpendicular to the floor and coplanar with
the vertical surface of the +nife edge. The head must be oriented in the
8ran+fort plane.
'. Eccurately weigh each sub'ect on the reaction board in metric units.
+. Each student is responsible for calculating his3her own center of mass
location in metric unit as a distance form the dorsum of the feet. @how
your wor+.
l. Each student is responsible for calculating his3her own percentage of
total body height that the location of the center of gravity of the body is
from the dorsum of the feet and recording this value on the class record
sheet /see <lass Decord @heet0. 5ercents should be recorded in the
appropriate gender category. @how your wor+.
m. Each student is responsible for calculating the mean and standard
deviation of the percents for the male and female groups. @how your
wor+.
Experiment Whole Body Calculation of the Center of Gravity via Reaction
Board !ersus "egmental #ethod $hree "upport Positions
a. 5lace a video camera with the optic axis of its lens hori2ontal and also
perpendicular to the long axis of the reaction board.
b. Each sub'ect must carefully assume three different support positions on
the reaction board: one with the body weight toward the front edge of
the base of support /anterior0 one with the body weight centered over
the base of support /balanced0 and one with the body weight toward the
bac+ edge of the base of support /posterior0.
c. 7n the field of view of the video camera place a /10 contrasting curtain
/!0 plumb bob /"0 calibration measure and /#0 fiducials.
d. @imultaneously capturing the video images and force values from the
scale of the three support positions of each sub'ect. =ote that the body
of the sub'ect should 'ust fit into the field of view of the camera.
e. Each student is responsible for their measure in metric units of the
distance of the near and far edge of their base to the +nife edge /**
position0 for each of the three support positions.
f. Each student is responsible for following the same methods and
procedures used in Experiment 1 for determining the hori2ontal position
of their center of gravity relative to the +nife edge on the wooden bloc+
/i.e. use the reaction board techni-ue0. @how your wor+.
g. Each student is responsible for applying the segmental method /whole
body method0 and cadaver data to their captured video images to
calculate their hori2ontal location /G value only0 of the center of gravity
of the body for each of their three support positions. @tudents are
responsible for transforming the units to laboratory /real world0 units
relative to the +nife edge /2ero G value0. @how your wor+.
Experiment % Pro&ectile Behavior of the Center of Gravity of the 'uman Body
a. @elect one sub'ect free of any physically limiting factors to perform a
standing long 'ump.
b. ?se a starting line for the standing long 'umps and position a tape
measure to facilitate the measurement of the distance of the 'umps.
>ump distances should be measured in metric units from the tips of the
toes on ta+e off /edge of the starting line0 to the tips of the toes on
landing.
c. 5rovide warm up for the sub'ect and several lead up 'umps /less than all.
out practice 'umps0.
d. During the practice 'umps position the video camera with the optic axis
of its lens hori2ontal and also perpendicular to the long axis of the
primary plane of movement for the standing long 'ump. Elso minimi2e
the field of view so that the entire performance of the standing long
'ump /ta+e off to landing0 'ust fits into the field of view. 7n other words
maximi2e the si2e of the sub'ect in the field of view.
e. 7n the field of view of the video camera place a /10 contrasting curtain
/!0 plumb bob /"0 calibration measure /#0 fiducials and /$0 timing light
box.
f. 6ideo tape the timing light box for three or more seconds and calculate
the time interval between frames. @how your wor+.
g. Epply the segmental method and cadaver data to the captured se-uential
video images to calculate the hori2ontal and vertical location /G and K
values0 of the center of gravity of the body for each of the selected
fields. =ote that these fields must include the images for ta+e off and
landing first and last two airborne positions as well as some regular
temporal se-uence beginning at ta+e off. Elso select one field that
visually appears to represent the highest vertical position of the body
during the airborne phase of the standing long 'ump. @how your wor+.
h. ?se the hori2ontal and vertical position of the center of gravity of the
body for the first and second airborne positions and the calculated time
interval between fields of video to determine the resultant velocity
vector /magnitude and direction0 of the center of gravity in laboratory
units. @how your
wor+.
i. <alculate the magnitudes of the hori2ontal and vertical velocity vectors
of the center of gravity of the body in laboratory units from the first and
second airborne positions and the +nown time interval between fields of
video. @how your wor+.
'. ?se the hori2ontal and vertical position of the center of gravity of the
body for the last two airborne positions and the calculated time interval
between fields of video to determine the resultant velocity vector
/magnitude and direction0 of the center of gravity in laboratory units.
@how your wor+.
+. <alculate the magnitudes of the hori2ontal and vertical velocity vectors
of the center of gravity of the body in laboratory units from the last two
airborne positions and the +nown time interval between fields of video.
@how your wor+.
l. <alculate the hori2ontal velocity vector in laboratory units for some
interval in the middle of the airborne phase. @how your wor+.
+es)ts:
The results are the responses to the statements that follow. They are to be written in a
scientific format. Kou should develop figures graphs and spreadsheet tables and refer to
these in your write.up to ma+e the results easy to read. Elso include and label graphs
generated as output. Kour format should differ from the normal scientific format in that
yo mst s#o, yor ,or5 /i.e. how you calculated your results0. 7f there are several
iterations of the same calculation process you only need to show the first to demonstrate
your understanding.
Experiment 1 Whole Body Calculation of the Center of Gravity via Reaction
Board Lying Position
1. <ompare the percent of total body height that the center of gravity is for the
male and female groups.
!. Ere the mean percents in accord with expectationsL Explain why or why not.
Experiment Whole Body Calculation of the Center of Gravity via Reaction
Board !ersus "egmental #ethod $hree "upport Positions
1. Were the hori2ontal positions relative to the +nife edge on the wooden bloc+
of the center of gravity of your body the same for the reaction board and
segmental methods for each of the three positionsL Explain why or why not.
!. Which of the two methods do you thin+ is more accurate for determining the
hori2ontal position of the center of gravity of your bodyL Explain.
Experiment % Pro&ectile Behavior of the Center of Gravity of the 'uman Body
1. Was the Ita+e offJ velocity vector calculated from the first two airborne fields
of video as expected for someone attempting to achieve a maximum standing
long 'umpL Explain.
!. Was the IlandingJ velocity vector calculated from the last two airborne fields
of video as expected for someone attempting to achieve a maximum standing
long 'umpL Explain.
". What relationship did you find between the velocity vector for Ita+e offJ and
landingL Was or was not this result expectedL Explain.
#. What relationship did you find between the hori2ontal velocity vectors for
Ita+e offJ IlandingJ and the hori2ontal velocity vector calculated for the
middle of the airborne phaseL Was or was not this result expectedL Explain.
$. Was the maximum height of the center of gravity as expected on the basis of
the vertical velocity vector at Ita+e offJL Explain.
C)ass +e%or! S#eet
Name Stan!in. Hei.#t
6%m7
Hei.#t o" Center o"
&ra'ity 6%m7
Hei.#t o" C& as a
8 o" tota) Bo!y
Hei.#t
Fema)es
1.
!.
".
#.
$.
%.
Mean 6s!7:
Ma)es
1.
!.
".
#.
$.
%.
&.
(.
).
1*.
11.
1!.
Mean 6s!7:
BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Laboratory Experiments: Measrement an! Interpretation o" t#e $inemati%s o" t#e
Center o" &ra'ity o" t#e Hman Bo!y
Dr. Eugene W. Brown
Prposes:
These laboratory experiments have several purposes. They include:
1. developing or reviewing the concepts of levers
!. understanding how to use a reaction board to calculate the center of gravity
of the human body
". understanding how to use the segmental method to calculate the center of
gravity of the human body
#. understanding the use of Walton templates in determining the center of mass
of various segments of the human body
$. reviewing concepts of mass segment parameters
%. understanding the concept of the center of gravity
&. reviewing concepts of pro'ectiles and vectors
(. developing an understanding of experimental methods in biomechanics
). learning how to use a camera for two dimensional videography
1*. understanding the relationship of experimental error to measurements
recorded
11. preparing sub'ects for participation in research experiments
1!. setting up experimental procedures in biomechanics
1". understanding how to calculate field and frame rates and
1#. learning how to report the results of laboratory experiments.
List o" E(ipment an! Spp)ies
1. acetate grids
!. adult male and female sub'ects
". bac+ground curtain
#. bloc+ to support reaction board
$. calculator
%. camera tripod
&. carpenter,s s-uare
(. computer and software for down loading video images
). fiducial mar+ers
1*. laser pointer
11. level
1!. mass.segment data sheet
1". plumb bob
1#. reaction board
1$. reference measure /meter stic+0
1%. sub'ect and trial board and numbers
1&. tape
1(. tape measure
1). timing light box
!*. video camera
!1. video tape
!!. Walton Template
!". weight scale
!#.
!$.
!%.
!&.
*e"inition o" Terms:
1. center of gravity 1 center of mass distribution of an ob'ect
!. e-uilibrium 1 a condition in which the sum of all forces and tor-ues acting on
an ob'ect e-uals 2ero resulting in a constant linear and angular velocity
". fiducial 1 two or more mar+s placed in the field of view of a video or motion
picture camera /usually at the outer edges of the field of view0 to be used
to align se-uential images to a laboratory coordinate system
#. field rate 1 the number of pictures of video captured in a +nown period of time
/e.g. "* fields3second0
$. frame rate . the number of pictures of motion picture film captured in a +nown
period of time /e.g. 1** frames3second0
%. optic axis of lens 1 line perpendicular to the long axis of a lens
&. perspective error 1 error which occurs when parts of a body or implement lie
outside the principle photographic plane4 image of segment closer to the
camera appears larger and segment farther away appears smaller
(. plumb bob 1 weighted string that hangs vertical which is used for spatial
orientation
). reaction board 1 board that is used as a lever to transmit force to weighted
scale for purposes of determining the center of mass of ob'ects /e.g.
human body0 placed on it
1*. reference measure 1 an ob'ect of +nown length /e.g. meter stic+0 that is
placed in a plane that is perpendicular to the optic axis of the lens of a
camera that is used to assist in determining distance measurements in the
same plane
11. segmental method 1 procedure used to calculate the center of mass of a multi.
segmented system /e.g. human body horse0 that is based on +nown
segment masses and mass centers of gravity of a similar model /e.g.
cadaver of a human cadaver of a horse0
1!. timing lights 1 electronic device that uses lights to accurately display time
1". vector 1 a measure that is represented by magnitude and direction /e.g.
displacement velocity acceleration force momentum0
1#. Walton template 1 a standard measurement device uni-ue to each segment of
the body that is used to determine the location of the center of gravity of
each body segment based on +nown proportions of the center of gravity
from the proximal and distal ends of each segment
1#. whole body method 1 a procedure for determining the location of the center of
gravity of a multi.segmented system /e.g. human body horse0 in one
configuration without regard for the position of individual segments
/e.g. reaction board pendulum0
1$.
1%.
+e'ie,:
1. 5ro'ectile
!. 6ectors
+ea%tion Boar! "or t#e Ca)%)ation o" -#o)e Bo!y Center o" &ra'ity
Basically the reaction board method for the calculation of the center of gravity of the
whole body is based on the principle of levers. 7n a static lever system the sum of the
forces and the sum of the tor-ues are e-ual to 2ero. The reaction board system is such a
system. 7f an imaginary fulcrum is placed at the +nife edge aligned with the dorsum of
the feet the sum of the positive /countercloc+wise0 tor-ues and negative /cloc+wise0
tor-ues must e-ual to 2ero. 7n other words:
/8s0/ 9b0 : /Wtboard0/ 13!9b0 ; /Wtbody0/ 9cg0
7n this e-uation the only variable that is not +nown is the location of 9cg. Therefore we
can solve for this parameter.
8s
Wtbody
Wtboard
13!9b
9cg
9b
$ey:
8s 1 force read at the scale4 upward force applied to the board by
the scale
Wtbody 1 weight of the body acting downward at the center of
mass of the body
Wtboard 1 weight of the board acting downward at the center of
the board
9b 1 length of the board
9cg 1 distance of the center of gravity of the body to the dorsum
of the feet
Se.menta) Met#o! "or t#e Ca)%)ation o" Center o" &ra'ity o" t#e Bo!y
This method is based on segmental mass proportions derived from cadaver studies. 7f we
can approximate /10 the proportion of weight /mass0 that each segment is of the whole
body and /!0 the location of the center of gravity of individual segments in a <artesian
axis system we can approximate the location of the center of gravity in an image of the
human body. This image can be a picture a series of pictures in a film or a series of
pictures in a video se-uence. =ote that this method results in only an approximation for
the location of the center of gravity of the human body because we can not guarantee that
the proportions of the live individual are exactly the same as the proportions of the
cadavers upon which this method is based. The steps in this process are as follows:
1. 9ocate the ends of the defined segments according to the lin+ segment boundaries
and place a mar+ at these points. This will result in mar+s at the end of the second
toe an+le +nee hip +nuc+le 777 of the hand wrist shoulder seventh cervical
vertebra and top of the head. Be careful to perceive the segments as three
dimensional images even though the picture is seen in two dimensions.
!. >oin the segments to form a stic+ figure consisting of 1# segments. =ote that the
trun+ segment goes from the seventh cervical vertebra to the midpoint of the line
connecting the two hips
". Determine the coordinates of the extremes of each of the 1# segments.
#. ?se cadaver data on the location of the center of gravity as a proportion of segment
length from the proximal and distal ends of the segments /see @egmental Aethod 1
<enter of Bravity Table0 to determine the location of the center of gravity of each
of the segments in the picture. =ote that a special template called the Walton
template can be used for this step.
$. Enter the coordinates of the center of gravity of each segment into the table
provided /see @egmental Aethod 1 <enter of Bravity Table0 and multiply these
values by the respective body segment proportion of weight /mass0.
%. The sum of these products is the calculated location of the center of gravity of the
body relative to the coordinate system being used.
Se.menta) Met#o! / Center o" &ra'ity Tab)e
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&enera) Met#o!s an! Pro%e!res:
There will be " experiments to highlight the position and movement of the center of
gravity of the human body. 7n addition principles of pro'ectile movement will be
reviewed. St!ents mst s#are t#e responsibi)ity o" %arryin. ot t#ese
experiments444 The general methods and procedures for each of these experiments is as
follows:
1. @ub'ect 5reparation
a. The sub'ects should be dressed with minimal clothing /tan+ top or no
shirt and shorts0 to /10minimi2e the influence of clothing on the position
of the center of gravity of the body and /!0not obstruct the view of the
body and body landmar+s.
b. Before collecting data each sub'ect should be familiar with the setting
and tas+ re-uirements.
c. Each sub'ect should not be exposed to any physical harm as a result of
performance and3or physical limitations.
d. 8or any strenuous activity sub'ects should be provided with a warm up
and a few practice trials. They must also be apprised of the tas+s they
are being as+ed to perform. This may reduce the chance of in'ury.
!. @et ?p of Deaction Board
a. @ee figure in section entitled Deaction Board for the <alculation of
Whole Body <enter of Bravity.
b. The board must be supported at both ends /at one end by the platform of
a weight scale and at the other end by a board0.
c. Fne +nife edge of the reaction board should be centered on the platform
of the weight scale and the other should be centered on the wooden
support.
d. The surface of the reaction board must be level.
e. The reaction board must support the sub'ects, weight without
appreciably bowing or brea+ing.
". @et ?p of 6ideo <amera
a. The video camera must be positioned relatively far from the reaction
board to minimi2e perspective error.
b. 9evel the camera and orient the optic axis of its lens so that it is
perpendicular to the long axis of the reaction board and plane of
movement.
c. ?se the lens to 2oom in and focus on the activity plane. Then 2oom out
to ma+e the field of view as small as possible to maximi2e the sub'ect
si2e. Aa+e sure the entire sub'ect or performance se-uence can 'ust be
seen in the field of view.
d. 5lace a plumb bob reference measure fiducials and timing lights in the
field of view.
e. ?se a contrasting curtain in the bac+ground to highlight the sub'ects and
reaction board.
#. <alibration of 8ield Date of 6ideo <amera
a. 6ideo tape the timing lights.
b. Determine the time from the timing lights for field one.
c. <ount fields from field one to some other field approximately three
seconds later in time.
d. <alculate the field rate.
8ield rate : number of fields 1 one
time transpired from field one to last field
$. Data <ollection
a. Ell data should be collected as accurately as possible.
b. Es data is being collected note where inaccuracies occur and potentially
use this information to 'ustify results.
Spe%i"i% Met#o!s an! Pro%e!res:
7n addition to the general methods and procedures the " experiments have their own
specific methods and procedures that must be followed.
Experiment 1 Whole Body Calculation of the Center of Gravity via Reaction
Board Lying Position
a. Eccurately determine the G.value location of the center of mass of the
reaction board4 assume the location is H total length of homogeneous
board /i.e. measure board in metric units and divide by !0.
b. Determine the weight of the reaction board in metric units by weighing
it on a calibrated scale.
c. <hec+ the alignment of the I+nife edgesJ /angle iron0 on both ends of
the reaction board. Their vertical surface should be aligned with the
ends of the reaction board.
d. <hec+ the height of the wooden bloc+ that is used to support the reaction
board. 7t should be e-ual in height to the height of the surface of the
scale. Thus the reaction board supported by the scale and wooden
bloc+ will be level.
e. Weigh each sub'ect in metric units as accurately as possible on a
calibrated scale. Each sub'ect should be wearing only shorts and tan+
top.
f. Eccurately measure the height of each sub'ect using the metric system.
g. 5osition one +nife edge of the reaction board on center of the scale and
the other on the center of the supporting wooden bloc+.
h. 5rior to getting a sub'ect,s weight on the reaction board have him3her
straddle the reaction board and lower his3 her body gently onto the
board.
i. Fnce a sub'ect is on the reaction board have him3her assume a
stationary anatomical position with the hands at the sides of his3her body
and the dorsum of the feet perpendicular to the floor and coplanar with
the vertical surface of the +nife edge. The head must be oriented in the
8ran+fort plane.
'. Eccurately weigh each sub'ect on the reaction board in metric units.
+. Each student is responsible for calculating his3her own center of mass
location in metric unit as a distance form the dorsum of the feet. @how
your wor+.
l. Each student is responsible for calculating his3her own percentage of
total body height that the location of the center of gravity of the body is
from the dorsum of the feet and recording this value on the class record
sheet /see <lass Decord @heet0. 5ercents should be recorded in the
appropriate gender category. @how your wor+.
m. Each student is responsible for calculating the mean and standard
deviation of the percents for the male and female groups. @how your
wor+.
Experiment Whole Body Calculation of the Center of Gravity via Reaction
Board !ersus "egmental #ethod $hree "upport Positions
a. 5lace a video camera with the optic axis of its lens hori2ontal and also
perpendicular to the long axis of the reaction board.
b. Each sub'ect must carefully assume three different support positions on
the reaction board: one with the body weight toward the front edge of
the base of support /anterior0 one with the body weight centered over
the base of support /balanced0 and one with the body weight toward the
bac+ edge of the base of support /posterior0.
c. 7n the field of view of the video camera place a /10 contrasting curtain
/!0 plumb bob /"0 calibration measure and /#0 fiducials.
d. @imultaneously capturing the video images and force values from the
scale of the three support positions of each sub'ect. =ote that the body
of the sub'ect should 'ust fit into the field of view of the camera.
e. Each student is responsible for their measure in metric units of the
distance of the near and far edge of their base to the +nife edge /**
position0 for each of the three support positions.
f. Each student is responsible for following the same methods and
procedures used in Experiment 1 for determining the hori2ontal position
of their center of gravity relative to the +nife edge on the wooden bloc+
/i.e. use the reaction board techni-ue0. @how your wor+.
g. Each student is responsible for applying the segmental method /whole
body method0 and cadaver data to their captured video images to
calculate their hori2ontal location /G value only0 of the center of gravity
of the body for each of their three support positions. @tudents are
responsible for transforming the units to laboratory /real world0 units
relative to the +nife edge /2ero G value0. @how your wor+.
Experiment % Pro&ectile Behavior of the Center of Gravity of the 'uman Body
a. @elect one sub'ect free of any physically limiting factors to perform a
standing long 'ump.
b. ?se a starting line for the standing long 'umps and position a tape
measure to facilitate the measurement of the distance of the 'umps.
>ump distances should be measured in metric units from the tips of the
toes on ta+e off /edge of the starting line0 to the tips of the toes on
landing.
c. 5rovide warm up for the sub'ect and several lead up 'umps /less than all.
out practice 'umps0.
d. During the practice 'umps position the video camera with the optic axis
of its lens hori2ontal and also perpendicular to the long axis of the
primary plane of movement for the standing long 'ump. Elso minimi2e
the field of view so that the entire performance of the standing long
'ump /ta+e off to landing0 'ust fits into the field of view. 7n other words
maximi2e the si2e of the sub'ect in the field of view.
e. 7n the field of view of the video camera place a /10 contrasting curtain
/!0 plumb bob /"0 calibration measure /#0 fiducials and /$0 timing light
box.
f. 6ideo tape the timing light box for three or more seconds and calculate
the time interval between frames. @how your wor+.
g. Epply the segmental method and cadaver data to the captured se-uential
video images to calculate the hori2ontal and vertical location /G and K
values0 of the center of gravity of the body for each of the selected
fields. =ote that these fields must include the images for ta+e off and
landing first and last two airborne positions as well as some regular
temporal se-uence beginning at ta+e off. Elso select one field that
visually appears to represent the highest vertical position of the body
during the airborne phase of the standing long 'ump. @how your wor+.
h. ?se the hori2ontal and vertical position of the center of gravity of the
body for the first and second airborne positions and the calculated time
interval between fields of video to determine the resultant velocity
vector /magnitude and direction0 of the center of gravity in laboratory
units. @how your
wor+.
i. <alculate the magnitudes of the hori2ontal and vertical velocity vectors
of the center of gravity of the body in laboratory units from the first and
second airborne positions and the +nown time interval between fields of
video. @how your wor+.
'. ?se the hori2ontal and vertical position of the center of gravity of the
body for the last two airborne positions and the calculated time interval
between fields of video to determine the resultant velocity vector
/magnitude and direction0 of the center of gravity in laboratory units.
@how your wor+.
+. <alculate the magnitudes of the hori2ontal and vertical velocity vectors
of the center of gravity of the body in laboratory units from the last two
airborne positions and the +nown time interval between fields of video.
@how your wor+.
m. <alculate the hori2ontal velocity vector in laboratory units for some
interval in the middle of the airborne phase. @how your wor+.
+es)ts:
The results are the responses to the statements that follow. They are to be written in a
scientific format. Kou should develop figures graphs and spreadsheet tables and refer to
these in your write.up to ma+e the results easy to read. Elso include and label graphs
generated as output. Kour format should differ from the normal scientific format in that
yo mst s#o, yor ,or5 /i.e. how you calculated your results0. 7f there are several
iterations of the same calculation process you only need to show the first to demonstrate
your understanding.
Experiment 1 Whole Body Calculation of the Center of Gravity via Reaction
Board Lying Position
1. <ompare the percent of total body height that the center of gravity is for the
male and female groups. /! points0
!. Ere the mean percents in accord with expectationsL Explain why or why not.
/! points0
Experiment Whole Body Calculation of the Center of Gravity via Reaction
Board !ersus "egmental #ethod $hree "upport Positions
1. Were the hori2ontal positions relative to the +nife edge on the wooden bloc+
of the center of gravity of your body the same for the reaction board and
segmental methods for each of the three positionsL Explain why or why not.
/% points0
!. Which of the two methods do you thin+ is more accurate for determining the
hori2ontal position of the center of gravity of your bodyL Explain. /# points0
Experiment % Pro&ectile Behavior of the Center of Gravity of the 'uman Body
1. Was the Ita+e offJ velocity vector calculated from the first two airborne fields
of video as expected for someone attempting to achieve a maximum standing
long 'umpL Explain. /% points0
!. Was the IlandingJ velocity vector calculated from the last two airborne fields
of video as expected for someone attempting to achieve a maximum standing
long 'umpL Explain. /% points0
". What relationship did you find between the velocity vector for Ita+e offJ and
landingL Was or was not this result expectedL Explain. /! points0
#. What relationship did you find between the hori2ontal velocity vectors for
Ita+e offJ IlandingJ and the hori2ontal velocity vector calculated for the
middle of the airborne phaseL Was or was not this result expectedL Explain.
/# points0
$. Was the maximum height of the center of gravity as expected on the basis of
the vertical velocity vector at Ita+e offJL Explain. /% points0
C)ass +e%or! S#eet
Name -ei.#t
65.7
Stan!in.
Hei.#t
6%m7
Fs
65.7
Hei.#t o"
Center o"
&ra'ity 6%m7
Hei.#t o" C&
as a 8 o" tota)
Bo!y Hei.#t
Fema)es
1. @.A. %!." 1%".1)$ #!.!& 1*!.1( %!.%
!. A.D. %#.#1 1%(.!&$ #!.#1 )(.) $(.&
". E.<. %#.(% 1%1.!) ").%( )*."" $%.*
#. >.E. $%.%) 1$(.&$ "&.1) )#.%$ $).%!
$.
%.
Mean 6s!7:
Ma)es
1. <.M. 1**.!# 1&).*& %".$* 1*$.#)( $(.)
!. E.<. )&.$! 1(&."!$ %!.1# 1*$.%( $%.#
". B.C. (&.$# 1&(.#"$ $%.%) 1*$.#*1 $).*%
#. >.T. &&.&) 1(*."# $1.!$ 1*#.&) $(.*
$. A.B. %$.#" 1&).&*$ #".)) 1*!.$( $&.*
%. T.N. &).%1 1(*."# $1.!$ 1*!."$& $%.&%
&. B.>.9. (#."% 1&!.&! $1.&1 )&.%( $%.$%
(. T.E. )&.*% 1&&.( %*.1* )1.%! $1.$
). >.@. 11$.!1 1(&.)% &#.(# 111.!& $).1
1*. ?.6. (*.$1 1(#.1$ $!.(# 1*$.1"% $&.*)
11. >.E. &".*! 1&).*& #&.1& 1**.$$ $%.1$
1!. >.C. &".#( 1(*."# #(.)( 1*#.&) $(.11
Mean 6s!7:
BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Laboratory Experiments: Measrement an! Interpretation o" t#e $inemati%s o" t#e
Center o" &ra'ity o" t#e Hman Bo!y
&ra!e +eport
@tudent: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
-rite1p Area9Comments Points
+e%ei'e!
Points
Possib)e
Experiment 1 Whole Body Calculation of the Center of Gravity
via Reaction Board Lying Position
1. <ompare the percent of total body height that the center of
gravity is for the male and female groups.
:
!. Ere the mean percents in accord with expectationsL Explain
why or why not.
:
Experiment Whole Body Calculation of the Center of Gravity
via Reaction Board !ersus "egmental #ethod $hree "upport
Positions
1. Were the hori2ontal positions relative to the +nife edge on
the wooden bloc+ of the center of gravity of your body the
same for the reaction board and segmental methods for each
of the three positionsL Explain why or why not.
;
!. Which of the two methods do you thin+ is more accurate for
determining the hori2ontal position of the center of gravity
of your bodyL Explain.
<
Experiment % Pro&ectile Behavior of the Center of Gravity of
the 'uman Body
1. Was the Ita+e offJ velocity vector calculated from the first
two airborne fields of video as expected for someone
attempting to achieve a maximum standing long 'umpL
Explain.
;
!. Was the IlandingJ velocity vector calculated from the last
two airborne fields of video as expected for someone
attempting to achieve a maximum standing long 'umpL
Explain.
;
". What relationship did you find between the velocity vector
for Ita+e offJ and landingL Was or was not this result
expectedL Explain.
:
#. What relationship did you find between the hori2ontal
velocity vectors for Ita+e offJ IlandingJ and the hori2ontal
velocity vector calculated for the middle of the airborne
phaseL Was or was not this result expectedL Explain.
<
$. Was the maximum height of the center of gravity as
expected on the basis of the vertical velocity vector at Ita+e
offJL Explain.
;
Tota) Points: =>
&ra!e: