Compare the biomechanical principles involved in safe pushing versus pulling movements. (5 marks)
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Sample Answer
Force Direction and Body Position
Similarities
- Both movements require staggered stances to create stable base of support
Differences
- Pushing directs force away from body requiring forward lean, while pulling brings force toward body needing backward lean.
- Foot positioning varies
-
- pushing uses rear leg drive with forward stance
- pulling anchors through front leg in backward stance.
Muscle Activation Patterns
Similarities
- Both require core muscle engagement for spinal stability and protection.
Differences
- Pushing engages anterior muscles (pectorals, anterior deltoids, triceps) while pulling activates posterior muscles (latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, biceps).
- Joint stress varies
-
- pushing loads anterior shoulder structures
- pulling stresses posterior shoulder and elbow differently
Centre of Gravity and Balance Requirements
Similarities
- Pushing shifts centre of gravity forward beyond base of support, while pulling positions it behind force application point.
- Fall risks differ
-
- pushing risks forward falls if force releases suddenly
- pulling risks backward falls
- Spinal protection varies
-
- pushing prevents hyperextension
- pulling guards against excessive flexion
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
Force Direction and Body Position
Similarities
- Both movements require staggered stances to create stable base of support
Differences
- Pushing directs force away from body requiring forward lean, while pulling brings force toward body needing backward lean.
- Foot positioning varies
-
- pushing uses rear leg drive with forward stance
- pulling anchors through front leg in backward stance.
Muscle Activation Patterns
Similarities
- Both require core muscle engagement for spinal stability and protection.
Differences
- Pushing engages anterior muscles (pectorals, anterior deltoids, triceps) while pulling activates posterior muscles (latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, biceps).
- Joint stress varies
-
- pushing loads anterior shoulder structures
- pulling stresses posterior shoulder and elbow differently
Centre of Gravity and Balance Requirements
Similarities
- Pushing shifts centre of gravity forward beyond base of support, while pulling positions it behind force application point.
- Fall risks differ
-
- pushing risks forward falls if force releases suddenly
- pulling risks backward falls
- Spinal protection varies
-
- pushing prevents hyperextension
- pulling guards against excessive flexion