A kinematic approach to calculating ground reaction forces in dance
1Department of Industrial Design, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK. j.shippen@coventry.ac.uk
Summary
This study introduces a new method for calculating ground reaction forces in dancers without using force plates. This kinematic calculation technique offers a viable, less disruptive alternative for injury analysis in dance.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Dance Science
- Sports Injury Analysis
Background:
- Ground reaction forces (GRFs) are crucial for analyzing dance injuries.
- Traditional force plates disrupt performance surfaces and may cause injuries.
- A non-invasive method for GRF calculation is needed in dance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a kinematic calculation technique for estimating ground reaction forces in dancers.
- To validate this new technique against traditional force plate measurements.
- To explore model tuning for improved accuracy in GRF calculations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized kinematic calculations to determine ground reaction forces.
- Validated the technique using data from a single dancer compared to force plate output.
- Investigated tuning a generic mass distribution model for enhanced accuracy.
Main Results:
- The kinematic calculation technique provides a viable alternative to force plates for GRF analysis.
- The method is suitable for large performance areas, including sprung floors.
- Preliminary validation shows good agreement with force plate data.
Conclusions:
- Kinematic calculations offer a practical and safe method for assessing GRFs in dancers.
- This technique can be applied across diverse performance environments.
- Further model refinement can improve the precision of calculated ground reaction forces.
Related Concept Videos
Static and Kinetic Frictional Force
One of the simpler characteristics of sliding friction is that it is parallel to the contact surfaces between systems, and is always in a direction that opposes the motion or attempted motion of the systems relative to each other. If two systems are in contact and moving relative to one another, then the friction between them is called kinetic friction. For example, kinetic friction slows a hockey puck sliding on ice.
However, if two systems are in contact and are stationary relative to one...
However, if two systems are in contact and are stationary relative to one...
Normal and Tangetial Components: Problem Solving
Consider a man with a mass of 70 kg seated in a chair connected to a pin support through a member BC. If the man maintains an upright position, the task is to determine the horizontal and vertical reactions of the chair on the man when the member makes a 45° angle with the horizontal. At this moment, the man has a speed of 5 m/s, increasing at a rate of 1 m/s².
Kinematic Equations: Problem Solving
When analyzing one-dimensional motion with constant acceleration, the problem-solving strategy involves identifying the known quantities and choosing the appropriate kinematic equations to solve for the unknowns. Either one or two kinematic equations are needed to solve for the unknowns, depending on the known and unknown quantities. Generally, the number of equations required is the same as the number of unknown quantities in the given example. Two-body pursuit problems always require two...
Kinematic Equations - I
When an object moves with constant acceleration, the velocity of the object changes at a constant rate throughout the motion. The kinematic equations of motions are derived for such cases where the acceleration of the object is constant. The first kinematic equation gives an insight into the relationship between velocity, acceleration, and time. We can see, for example:
Kinematic Equations - II
The second kinematic equation expresses the final position of an object in terms of its initial position, the distance traveled with the initial constant velocity, and the distance traveled due to a change in velocity. Similar to the first kinematic equation, this equation is also only valid when the acceleration is constant throughout the motion of an object.
Suppose a car merges into freeway traffic on a 200 m long ramp. If its initial velocity is 10 m/s and it accelerates at 2 m/s2, then the...
Suppose a car merges into freeway traffic on a 200 m long ramp. If its initial velocity is 10 m/s and it accelerates at 2 m/s2, then the...
Kinetic Energy for a Rigid Body
Imagine a solid object involved in a general planar movement, with its center of mass pinpointed at a spot labeled G. The object's kinetic energy relative to an arbitrary point A can be quantified for each of its particles - the ith particle in this case. This measurement is achieved through the employment of the relative velocity definition. The position vector, known as rA, extends from point A to the mass element i.


