smc-5522-15-Movement efficiency

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 859

Assess how an understanding of biomechanics can be applied to increase movement efficiency and performance in wheelchair racing. (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

Judgment Statement

Biomechanical understanding proves highly effective for enhancing wheelchair racing performance.
Assessment based on force application efficiency and equipment optimisation capabilities.

Force Application Efficiency

Assessment reveals significant improvements when athletes apply biomechanical principles to pushing technique.
Wheelchair racers using tangential rim contact achieve superior force transfer compared to downward pushing.
Proper elbow positioning at optimal extension angles demonstrates strong power generation capabilities.
Upper body alignment with shoulders over push rim shows excellent mechanical advantage.
Results indicate substantial gains in both speed maintenance and endurance capacity.
Shoulder and wrist strain reduces considerably with biomechanically correct technique patterns.
This demonstrates high effectiveness in maximising propulsion while minimising injury risk.

Equipment Optimisation

Considerable improvements occur through biomechanically-informed equipment modifications and adjustments.
Lightweight frame materials produce measurable reductions in energy expenditure per stroke.
Aerodynamic positioning of athlete and chair achieves substantial drag force reduction.
Custom seat angles show optimal force transfer from trunk through arms.
Wheel camber adjustments demonstrate excellent stability during high-speed cornering.
Glove design modifications indicate strong grip efficiency without compromising release.
Equipment adaptations prove highly valuable in maximising individual athletic potential

Overall Assessment

On balance, biomechanical principles prove exceptionally valuable for wheelchair racing enhancement.
Both force application and equipment criteria show major improvements in performance outcomes.
When all factors are considered, athletes gain significant competitive advantages through proper application.
Overall assessment confirms biomechanics as essential knowledge for wheelchair racing success.
The results indicate continued refinements will yield further performance gains.

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Sample Answer

Judgment Statement

Biomechanical understanding proves highly effective for enhancing wheelchair racing performance.
Assessment based on force application efficiency and equipment optimisation capabilities.

Force Application Efficiency

Assessment reveals significant improvements when athletes apply biomechanical principles to pushing technique.
Wheelchair racers using tangential rim contact achieve superior force transfer compared to downward pushing.
Proper elbow positioning at optimal extension angles demonstrates strong power generation capabilities.
Upper body alignment with shoulders over push rim shows excellent mechanical advantage.
Results indicate substantial gains in both speed maintenance and endurance capacity.
Shoulder and wrist strain reduces considerably with biomechanically correct technique patterns.
This demonstrates high effectiveness in maximising propulsion while minimising injury risk.

Equipment Optimisation

Considerable improvements occur through biomechanically-informed equipment modifications and adjustments.
Lightweight frame materials produce measurable reductions in energy expenditure per stroke.
Aerodynamic positioning of athlete and chair achieves substantial drag force reduction.
Custom seat angles show optimal force transfer from trunk through arms.
Wheel camber adjustments demonstrate excellent stability during high-speed cornering.
Glove design modifications indicate strong grip efficiency without compromising release.
Equipment adaptations prove highly valuable in maximising individual athletic potential

Overall Assessment

On balance, biomechanical principles prove exceptionally valuable for wheelchair racing enhancement.
Both force application and equipment criteria show major improvements in performance outcomes.
When all factors are considered, athletes gain significant competitive advantages through proper application.
Overall assessment confirms biomechanics as essential knowledge for wheelchair racing success.
The results indicate continued refinements will yield further performance gains.

Evaluate how biomechanical principles could be applied to improve movement efficiency for athletes with disabilities compared to able-bodied athletes. In your response, refer to specific adaptations and their effects. (8 marks)

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Evaluation Statement

Biomechanical adaptations prove highly effective for athletes with disabilities, often matching able-bodied performance.
Assessment based on force transfer efficiency, movement adaptation success, and performance outcomes.

Force Transfer and Energy Efficiency

Modern prosthetics demonstrate excellent energy return capabilities through biomechanical design.
Carbon fibre blades store and return substantial impact energy during ground impact.
Athletes require minimal additional muscle work to compensate for mechanical differences.
Evaluation reveals strong efficiency gains nearly matching able-bodied athlete mechanics.
Prosthetic alignment adjustments successfully optimise individual force transfer patterns.
Results indicate biomechanical adaptations achieve substantial movement efficiency.

Alternative Movement Patterns

Wheelchair propulsion shows remarkable effectiveness despite using different muscle groups.
Elite wheelchair racers reach 25 km/h using upper body power versus 21 km/h for marathon runners.
Tangential push angles maximise propulsion efficiency per stroke.
Assessment confirms alternative patterns rival traditional performance levels.
Specialised training effectively develops unique biomechanical advantages.
Performance proves adapted techniques compete effectively with able-bodied methods.

Equipment and Technique Integration

Racing wheelchair design demonstrates superior aerodynamic efficiency.
Three-wheeled configuration provides excellent stability while minimising resistance.
Cambered wheels enable optimal force application angles.
Evaluation shows equipment adaptations significantly enhance efficiency.
Integration proves highly effective maximising athletic potential.

Final Evaluation

Overall assessment demonstrates biomechanical principles prove highly valuable for disability sport.
Adaptations successfully enable competitive performance across disabilities.
While differences exist, optimised techniques effectively minimise performance gaps.
Technology and training create efficiency approaching able-bodied standards.
Therefore biomechanical knowledge transforms limitations into opportunities.

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Sample Answer

Evaluation Statement

Biomechanical adaptations prove highly effective for athletes with disabilities, often matching able-bodied performance.
Assessment based on force transfer efficiency, movement adaptation success, and performance outcomes.

Force Transfer and Energy Efficiency

Modern prosthetics demonstrate excellent energy return capabilities through biomechanical design.
Carbon fibre blades store and return substantial impact energy during ground impact.
Athletes require minimal additional muscle work to compensate for mechanical differences.
Evaluation reveals strong efficiency gains nearly matching able-bodied athlete mechanics.
Prosthetic alignment adjustments successfully optimise individual force transfer patterns.
Results indicate biomechanical adaptations achieve substantial movement efficiency.

Alternative Movement Patterns

Wheelchair propulsion shows remarkable effectiveness despite using different muscle groups.
Elite wheelchair racers reach 25 km/h using upper body power versus 21 km/h for marathon runners.
Tangential push angles maximise propulsion efficiency per stroke.
Assessment confirms alternative patterns rival traditional performance levels.
Specialised training effectively develops unique biomechanical advantages.
Performance proves adapted techniques compete effectively with able-bodied methods.

Equipment and Technique Integration

Racing wheelchair design demonstrates superior aerodynamic efficiency.
Three-wheeled configuration provides excellent stability while minimising resistance.
Cambered wheels enable optimal force application angles.
Evaluation shows equipment adaptations significantly enhance efficiency.
Integration proves highly effective maximising athletic potential.

Final Evaluation

Overall assessment demonstrates biomechanical principles prove highly valuable for disability sport.
Adaptations successfully enable competitive performance across disabilities.
While differences exist, optimised techniques effectively minimise performance gaps.
Technology and training create efficiency approaching able-bodied standards.
Therefore biomechanical knowledge transforms limitations into opportunities.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 857

Analyse how biomechanical principles related to efficient force absorption can be applied to reduce injury risk in sport. Provide specific examples in your response. (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

Overview Statement

Force absorption efficiency depends on contact time, surface area and body positioning working together.
These components interact with equipment design and technique to create comprehensive injury prevention systems.

Component Relationship 1: Contact Time and Force Magnitude

Extended deceleration time directly reduces peak forces experienced during impact.
Basketball players who bend knees deeply when landing experience significantly lower joint forces.
Cricket fielders “giving” with catches transforms dangerous ball impacts into manageable forces.
The relationship reveals that time extension prevents acute ligament tears and cartilage damage.
Gymnasts rolling through landings demonstrates how gradual deceleration protects spine and ankles.
Gradual deceleration enables tissues to adapt rather than rupture under sudden loads.

Component Relationship 2: Surface Area and Protective Systems

Larger contact areas combine with protective equipment to distribute forces effectively across body.
Rugby players adopting wide tackle stances spread impact forces across multiple muscle groups.
Hockey shin guards amplify this effect by dramatically increasing the contact surface area.
This interaction shows how body positioning works with equipment design for protection.
Multiple contact points prevent concentrated stress that causes fractures and severe contusions.
Analysis reveals layered protection creates exponentially safer sporting environments than single methods.

Implications and Synthesis

Force absorption components form an integrated safety network throughout sporting activities.
The synthesis demonstrates combining extended time with increased area produces multiplicative safety benefits.
Therefore biomechanical education enables proactive injury prevention rather than reactive treatment.
The broader significance is knowledge transforms high-risk sports into controlled athletic performances.

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Sample Answer

Overview Statement

Force absorption efficiency depends on contact time, surface area and body positioning working together.
These components interact with equipment design and technique to create comprehensive injury prevention systems.

Component Relationship 1: Contact Time and Force Magnitude

Extended deceleration time directly reduces peak forces experienced during impact.
Basketball players who bend knees deeply when landing experience significantly lower joint forces.
Cricket fielders “giving” with catches transforms dangerous ball impacts into manageable forces.
The relationship reveals that time extension prevents acute ligament tears and cartilage damage.
Gymnasts rolling through landings demonstrates how gradual deceleration protects spine and ankles.
Gradual deceleration enables tissues to adapt rather than rupture under sudden loads.

Component Relationship 2: Surface Area and Protective Systems

Larger contact areas combine with protective equipment to distribute forces effectively across body.
Rugby players adopting wide tackle stances spread impact forces across multiple muscle groups.
Hockey shin guards amplify this effect by dramatically increasing the contact surface area.
This interaction shows how body positioning works with equipment design for protection.
Multiple contact points prevent concentrated stress that causes fractures and severe contusions.
Analysis reveals layered protection creates exponentially safer sporting environments than single methods.

Implications and Synthesis

Force absorption components form an integrated safety network throughout sporting activities.
The synthesis demonstrates combining extended time with increased area produces multiplicative safety benefits.
Therefore biomechanical education enables proactive injury prevention rather than reactive treatment.
The broader significance is knowledge transforms high-risk sports into controlled athletic performances.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 856

Explain how biomechanical principles can be applied to increase movement efficiency and reduce injury risk in athletes with prosthetic limbs. (6 marks)

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Sample Answer

The prosthetic limb acts as a lever for residual muscles. This occurs because remaining muscles pull on the prosthetic attachment to create movement.
As a result, proper alignment maximises force transfer efficiency. This reduces energy expenditure during running or walking significantly.
Carbon fibre materials store energy during ground contact. This happens when the material compresses and then springs back.
Consequently, this elastic energy return reduces muscular effort needed. This enables athletes to maintain speed with less fatigue.
Prosthetic design adjusts the athlete’s centre of gravity. This is necessary because missing limb mass alters body balance.
Therefore, correct positioning prevents compensatory movements. This protects the spine and opposite limb from overuse injuries.
Custom sockets distribute pressure evenly across residual limb. This works by spreading forces over larger surface areas.
This prevents pressure sores and tissue breakdown. As a result, athletes can train longer without injury interruptions.
Gait analysis identifies movement asymmetries between limbs. This reveals uneven forces that could cause joint damage.
Subsequently, prosthetic adjustments normalise stride patterns. This reduces abnormal loading that causes wear injuries over time.

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Sample Answer

The prosthetic limb acts as a lever for residual muscles. This occurs because remaining muscles pull on the prosthetic attachment to create movement.
As a result, proper alignment maximises force transfer efficiency. This reduces energy expenditure during running or walking significantly.
Carbon fibre materials store energy during ground contact. This happens when the material compresses and then springs back.
Consequently, this elastic energy return reduces muscular effort needed. This enables athletes to maintain speed with less fatigue.
Prosthetic design adjusts the athlete’s centre of gravity. This is necessary because missing limb mass alters body balance.
Therefore, correct positioning prevents compensatory movements. This protects the spine and opposite limb from overuse injuries.
Custom sockets distribute pressure evenly across residual limb. This works by spreading forces over larger surface areas.
This prevents pressure sores and tissue breakdown. As a result, athletes can train longer without injury interruptions.
Gait analysis identifies movement asymmetries between limbs. This reveals uneven forces that could cause joint damage.
Subsequently, prosthetic adjustments normalise stride patterns. This reduces abnormal loading that causes wear injuries over time.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 855

Outline how the biomechanical principle of force application can improve movement efficiency for athletes with disabilities. (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

Wheelchair athletes apply maximum force through arms to wheel rims, generating forward momentum and speed.
Athletes with prosthetic limbs develop remaining muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings) to transfer force through prosthetic devices effectively.
Force direction understanding helps para-athletes adjust movement patterns, reducing energy waste and maximising propulsion efficiency.
Specialised equipment design (custom wheelchairs, prosthetics) incorporates biomechanical principles to enhance force transfer from body to ground.
Technical modifications include optimising push angles in wheelchairs and adjusting prosthetic alignment for better force application.
Training adaptations focus on strengthening specific muscle groups to compensate for missing limbs or paralysed segments.

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Sample Answer

Wheelchair athletes apply maximum force through arms to wheel rims, generating forward momentum and speed.
Athletes with prosthetic limbs develop remaining muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings) to transfer force through prosthetic devices effectively.
Force direction understanding helps para-athletes adjust movement patterns, reducing energy waste and maximising propulsion efficiency.
Specialised equipment design (custom wheelchairs, prosthetics) incorporates biomechanical principles to enhance force transfer from body to ground.
Technical modifications include optimising push angles in wheelchairs and adjusting prosthetic alignment for better force application.
Training adaptations focus on strengthening specific muscle groups to compensate for missing limbs or paralysed segments.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 854 MC

For a sprinter with a prosthetic lower limb, which biomechanical principle most directly contributes to movement efficiency?

Using upper leg muscles to apply force to the prosthetic limb
Generating rotational force through the prosthetic joint
Decreasing the weight of the prosthetic to reduce momentum
Widening the stance to create a more stable base of support

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\(A\)

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A is correct: Upper leg muscles apply force to prosthetic device for forward propulsion.

Other Options:

B is incorrect: Prosthetic limbs prioritise linear force transfer, not rotational generation.
C is incorrect: Weight reduction alone doesn’t improve efficiency without proper force application.
D is incorrect: Wider stance reduces sprinting efficiency by limiting forward momentum.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 853 MC

Which biomechanical adaptation would most effectively increase movement efficiency for a wheelchair athlete during racing?

Developing lower body strength to increase power
Applying force through the arms to the rim of the wheels
Reducing the weight of the wheelchair to decrease resistance
Using protective gloves to absorb impact from the wheels

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\(B\)

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B is correct: Direct arm force application to wheel rims generates maximum propulsion efficiency.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Wheelchair athletes rely on upper body strength, not lower body power.
C is incorrect: Weight reduction helps but isn’t a biomechanical principle of force application.
D is incorrect: Gloves provide protection, not biomechanical movement efficiency.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 840 MC

A swimmer is preparing for a new competition season. What would be the most effective technique to reduce drag and improve movement efficiency in freestyle?

Keeping hands in a relaxed, open position during the pull phase
Maintaining a high head position to see competitors during the race
Keeping the body aligned with hips and legs high in the water
Using a wider, more powerful kick to create more propulsion

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\(C\)

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C is correct: Body alignment with hips and legs high creates streamlined position reducing drag

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Open hands increase resistance; slightly cupped position is more efficient
B is incorrect: High head position pushes hips down, increasing drag significantly
D is incorrect: Wider kick creates turbulence and drag despite generating more power

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 49

Explain how TWO biomechanical principles can be applied to improve movement efficiency for a person using a prosthetic leg. (4 marks)

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Sample Answer – ANY 2 of the following:

Centre of gravity positioning:

Prosthetic alignment adjusts centre of gravity to compensate for missing mass. This occurs because proper positioning balances weight.
As a result, less muscular effort maintains balance. Therefore, users walk longer distances without fatigue.

Lever principles:

The prosthetic foot acts as a lever during push-off phase.
This works by creating mechanical advantage through optimal positioning.
Consequently, force transfer efficiency increases through the prosthetic, enabling reduced energy for forward progression.

Force absorption:

Carbon fibre springs absorb impact forces during heel strike.
This happens when material compresses on ground contact.
Following this, energy storage and return minimises jarring so that comfortable movement continues over extended periods.

Momentum conservation:

Lightweight prosthetic components maintain momentum between steps more effectively than heavier designs.
The reason for this is reduced mass requires less acceleration muscle force.
Subsequently, the swing phase uses less muscle effort, resulting in significantly improved walking endurance.

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Sample Answer – ANY 2 of the following:

Centre of gravity positioning:

Prosthetic alignment adjusts centre of gravity to compensate for missing mass. This occurs because proper positioning balances weight.
As a result, less muscular effort maintains balance. Therefore, users walk longer distances without fatigue.

Lever principles:

The prosthetic foot acts as a lever during push-off phase.
This works by creating mechanical advantage through optimal positioning.
Consequently, force transfer efficiency increases through the prosthetic, enabling reduced energy for forward progression.

Force absorption:

Carbon fibre springs absorb impact forces during heel strike.
This happens when material compresses on ground contact.
Following this, energy storage and return minimises jarring so that comfortable movement continues over extended periods.

Momentum conservation:

Lightweight prosthetic components maintain momentum between steps more effectively than heavier designs.
The reason for this is reduced mass requires less acceleration muscle force.
Subsequently, the swing phase uses less muscle effort, resulting in significantly improved walking endurance.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 48 MC

Which adaptation would BEST improve movement efficiency for a person with limited lower limb mobility using a wheelchair?

Increased arm length
Higher seat position
Forward tilted seat
Lower center of gravity

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\(D\)

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D is correct: Lower center of gravity improves stability and reduces energy needed for movement control.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Longer reach doesn’t improve wheelchair propulsion efficiency.
B is incorrect: Higher seat position decreases stability and increases effort required.
C is incorrect: Forward tilt shifts weight forward, requiring more energy to maintain balance.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 47 MC

For a person using crutches, which biomechanical principle is MOST important for energy efficient movement?

Angular momentum
Base of support
Projectile motion
Fluid resistance

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\(B\)

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B is correct: A stable and appropriate base of support enables efficient force transfer and reduces energy expenditure

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Not primary principle in crutch gait efficiency
C is incorrect: No projectiles involved in crutch walking
D is incorrect: Not relevant to crutch-assisted movement

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 44

Describe TWO ways muscle pairs work together to produce safe movement. (3 marks)

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Sample Answer – ANY 2 of the following

Agonist/antagonist relationship controls movement speed

When the agonist muscle contracts to create movement, the antagonist muscle relaxes in a controlled manner.
Coordinated action as described prevents jerky movements and allows precise control of speed, protecting joints from sudden impacts.

Co-contraction provides joint stability –

Both muscles in a pair contract simultaneously to stabilise a joint during movement.
Such co-activation creates muscular tension around the joint, preventing excessive movement that could damage ligaments, and maintaining safe joint alignment.

Balanced strength prevents muscle imbalances

Equal strength development in muscle pairs ensures forces are distributed evenly across joints.
This balance prevents one muscle from overpowering its partner, reducing strain on connective tissues and maintaining proper joint mechanics during movement.

Coordinated action produces smooth movement

Muscle pairs work in precise timing sequences, with one gradually activating as the other deactivates.
Transitioning smoothly between muscle contractions eliminates abrupt force changes that could tear muscle fibres or strain tendons.

Show Worked Solution

Agonist/antagonist relationship controls movement speed

When the agonist muscle contracts to create movement, the antagonist muscle relaxes in a controlled manner.
Coordinated action as described prevents jerky movements and allows precise control of speed, protecting joints from sudden impacts.

Co-contraction provides joint stability –

Both muscles in a pair contract simultaneously to stabilise a joint during movement.
Such co-activation creates muscular tension around the joint, preventing excessive movement that could damage ligaments, and maintaining safe joint alignment.

Balanced strength prevents muscle imbalances

Equal strength development in muscle pairs ensures forces are distributed evenly across joints.
This balance prevents one muscle from overpowering its partner, reducing strain on connective tissues and maintaining proper joint mechanics during movement.

Coordinated action produces smooth movement

Muscle pairs work in precise timing sequences, with one gradually activating as the other deactivates.
Transitioning smoothly between muscle contractions eliminates abrupt force changes that could tear muscle fibres or strain tendons.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 43

Describe how biomechanical principles influence the safe execution of a landing from a jump. (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

Force absorption

Quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles contract eccentrically during landing.
This controlled lengthening prevents sudden joint compression and distributes forces.

Joint flexion

Ankles, knees and hips bend simultaneously upon ground contact.
This flexion increases absorption time and transforms peak forces into manageable loads.

Base of support

Feet positioned shoulder-width apart provide lateral stability during landing.
This wider stance prevents sideways falling and enables balanced force distribution through both legs.

Centre of gravity

Deep knee bend lowers the body’s centre of gravity toward ground.
Athletes maintain better equilibrium when mass is positioned lower.
Positioning the body in this way enhances balance control reducing fall risk.

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Sample Answer

Force absorption

Quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles contract eccentrically during landing.
This controlled lengthening prevents sudden joint compression and distributes forces.

Joint flexion

Ankles, knees and hips bend simultaneously upon ground contact.
This flexion increases absorption time and transforms peak forces into manageable loads.

Base of support

Feet positioned shoulder-width apart provide lateral stability during landing.
This wider stance prevents sideways falling and enables balanced force distribution through both legs.

Centre of gravity

Deep knee bend lowers the body’s centre of gravity toward ground.
Athletes maintain better equilibrium when mass is positioned lower.
Positioning the body in this way enhances balance control reducing fall risk.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 38 MC

During a squat, which biomechanical principle is MOST important for maintaining safety?

Fluid mechanics
Base of support
Projectile motion
Angular momentum

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\(B\)

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B is correct: Wider base of support increases stability and prevents falling during squats.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Fluid mechanics applies to movement through water/air, not squatting
C is incorrect: No projectile motion occurs in stationary squats
D is incorrect: Angular momentum is not the primary safety principle in squatting