SmarterEd

Aussie Maths & Science Teachers: Save your time with SmarterEd

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 843

How do biomechanical principles related to balance and stability enhance safety and movement efficiency in gymnastics floor routines?   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

Balance Control for Safety:

  • Gymnasts manipulate centre of gravity by shifting body weight relative to base of support. This process maintains balance during skill transitions.
  • By controlling centre position precisely, dangerous falls are prevented. This protection occurs through constant muscular adjustments and body awareness.
  • During handstands, vertical alignment is achieved by engaging shoulder and core muscles. This engagement creates rigid body positioning above hands.
  • Through proper alignment, stable positioning prevents sideways collapse. Improved stability results in reduced risk of wrist or shoulder injuries.

Stability for Movement Efficiency:

  • Gymnasts widen base of support by adjusting limb positions during transitions. Such adjustments create greater stability margins for movement.
  • Through increased stability, smoother connections between elements occur, reducing energy wasted on balance corrections.
  • Centre of gravity lowers by bending joints before difficult moves. This lowering enhances control during rotational elements.
  • Through better control, precise execution becomes possible. This precision minimises unnecessary compensatory movements throughout routine.

Force Absorption in Landings:

  • Joint flexion extends impact time by allowing gradual deceleration. This extension reduces peak forces on body tissues.
  • Through extended deceleration, cartilage remains protected from damage, enabling fluid routine flow without injury interruptions.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Balance Control for Safety:

  • Gymnasts manipulate centre of gravity by shifting body weight relative to base of support. This process maintains balance during skill transitions.
  • By controlling centre position precisely, dangerous falls are prevented. This protection occurs through constant muscular adjustments and body awareness.
  • During handstands, vertical alignment is achieved by engaging shoulder and core muscles. This engagement creates rigid body positioning above hands.
  • Through proper alignment, stable positioning prevents sideways collapse. Improved stability results in reduced risk of wrist or shoulder injuries.

Stability for Movement Efficiency:

  • Gymnasts widen base of support by adjusting limb positions during transitions. Such adjustments create greater stability margins for movement.
  • Through increased stability, smoother connections between elements occur, reducing energy wasted on balance corrections.
  • Centre of gravity lowers by bending joints before difficult moves. This lowering enhances control during rotational elements.
  • Through better control, precise execution becomes possible. This precision minimises unnecessary compensatory movements throughout routine.

Force Absorption in Landings:

  • Joint flexion extends impact time by allowing gradual deceleration. This extension reduces peak forces on body tissues.
  • Through extended deceleration, cartilage remains protected from damage, enabling fluid routine flow without injury interruptions.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 842

Explain how the biomechanical principle of force is applied in a sprint start, making reference to the interrelationship between muscles, bones, and joints.   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

  • In a sprint start, quadriceps and hamstrings contract forcefully. This occurs because muscles must overcome inertia.
  • As a result, these muscles pull on femur and tibia bones. This causes powerful extension at hip and knee joints.
  • Simultaneously, calf muscles contract to push through the ankle. This creates additional force against the blocks.
  • Consequently, Newton’s Third Law applies. The blocks exert equal reaction force that propels the athlete forward.
  • Arm muscles work together to drive shoulder rotation. This generates momentum because arms oppose leg movement.
  • Throughout this process, core muscles stabilise the torso. This enables efficient force transfer between body segments.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • In a sprint start, quadriceps and hamstrings contract forcefully. This occurs because muscles must overcome inertia.
  • As a result, these muscles pull on femur and tibia bones. This causes powerful extension at hip and knee joints.
  • Simultaneously, calf muscles contract to push through the ankle. This creates additional force against the blocks.
  • Consequently, Newton’s Third Law applies. The blocks exert equal reaction force that propels the athlete forward.
  • Arm muscles work together to drive shoulder rotation. This generates momentum because arms oppose leg movement.
  • Throughout this process, core muscles stabilise the torso. This enables efficient force transfer between body segments.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 841 MC

The image below shows a tennis player preparing to return a serve.

Which biomechanical principle is this player primarily using to optimise stability?

  1. Lowering the centre of gravity and widening the base of support
  2. Narrowing the base of support to increase agility
  3. Raising the centre of gravity to improve reaction time
  4. Increasing the line of gravity outside the base of support
Show Answers Only

\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct: Lowered centre of gravity and widened stance maximise stability for receiving serves.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Narrowing base of support decreases stability needed for powerful returns.
  • C is incorrect: Raising centre of gravity reduces stability and balance.
  • D is incorrect: Line of gravity outside base of support causes instability and falling.

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?

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

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • 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 51 MC

A swimmer needs to reduce drag force during freestyle. Which combination of biomechanical applications would be MOST effective for safe and efficient movement through water?

  1. Streamlined body position and high elbow recovery
  2. High head position and wide arm recovery
  3. Crossed leg kick and streamlined body position
  4. Wide arm recovery and crossed leg kick
Show Answers Only

\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct: Streamlined body reduces frontal resistance while high elbow recovery minimises drag.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: High head position increases drag and disrupts body alignment.
  • C is incorrect: Crossed legs create turbulence that negates streamlining benefits.
  • D is incorrect: Both wide arm recovery and crossed legs increase water resistance.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 47

Explain how balance and stability principles contribute to safe lifting technique.   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

  • A wide base of support with feet shoulder-width apart increases lateral stability during lifting.
  • Greater stability prevents sideways tipping when handling uneven loads, reducing the risk of dropping objects or falling.
  • Keeping the centre of gravity low by bending the knees maintains balance throughout the lift.
  • Low positioning allows controlled movement without sudden shifts that could cause back strain or loss of control.
  • Even weight distribution across both feet ensures balanced force transmission through the legs and spine.
  • Balanced distribution prevents asymmetrical loading that leads to muscle strain and joint stress on one side.
  • Engaging core muscles throughout the lift stabilises the spine and pelvis.
  • Strong muscular support creates a rigid trunk that prevents dangerous spinal flexion and maintains safe alignment during load transfer.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • A wide base of support with feet shoulder-width apart increases lateral stability during lifting.
  • Greater stability prevents sideways tipping when handling uneven loads, reducing the risk of dropping objects or falling.
  • Keeping the centre of gravity low by bending the knees maintains balance throughout the lift.
  • Low positioning allows controlled movement without sudden shifts that could cause back strain or loss of control.
  • Even weight distribution across both feet ensures balanced force transmission through the legs and spine.
  • Balanced distribution prevents asymmetrical loading that leads to muscle strain and joint stress on one side.
  • Engaging core muscles throughout the lift stabilises the spine and pelvis.
  • Strong muscular support creates a rigid trunk that prevents dangerous spinal flexion and maintains safe alignment during load transfer.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 46

How does correct joint alignment help to prevent injury during weight-bearing activities.   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

Force Distribution Through Joint Surfaces

  • Correct alignment positions bones so that weight-bearing forces spread evenly across entire joint surface.
  • This even distribution occurs because aligned bones create uniform contact between joint surfaces.
  • As a result, cartilage experiences balanced compression rather than concentrated pressure points, preventing localised wear and degradation of specific cartilage areas.
  • Misalignment creates high-stress zones which leads to damaged cartilage and eventual osteoarthritis.

Ligament and Tendon Protection

  • Proper joint positioning maintains ligaments and tendons within optimal length ranges by keeping anatomical relationships correct.
  • This positioning enables these structures to handle loads at appropriate angles.
  • Consequently, ligaments avoid overstretching which prevents tears and chronic laxity.
  • Correct alignment ensures tendons track smoothly through anatomical pathways by maintaining proper bone positions.
  • This smooth tracking prevents friction and inflammation from abnormal movement patterns.

Muscular Efficiency and Support

  • Joint alignment enables muscles to operate at ideal length-tension relationships through optimal positioning.
  • This positioning allows maximum force production while minimising energy expenditure.
  • As a result, efficient muscle function provides dynamic stabilisation during activities.
  • Well-aligned joints create balanced muscle activation where opposing groups share loads appropriately.
  • This balanced activation prevents single muscles from overworking which reduces strain injury risk.
  • Proper positioning eliminates compensatory movements thereby preventing cascade effects throughout kinetic chain.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Force Distribution Through Joint Surfaces

  • Correct alignment positions bones so that weight-bearing forces spread evenly across entire joint surface.
  • This even distribution occurs because aligned bones create uniform contact between joint surfaces.
  • As a result, cartilage experiences balanced compression rather than concentrated pressure points, preventing localised wear and degradation of specific cartilage areas.
  • Misalignment creates high-stress zones which leads to damaged cartilage and eventual osteoarthritis.

Ligament and Tendon Protection

  • Proper joint positioning maintains ligaments and tendons within optimal length ranges by keeping anatomical relationships correct.
  • This positioning enables these structures to handle loads at appropriate angles.
  • Consequently, ligaments avoid overstretching which prevents tears and chronic laxity.
  • Correct alignment ensures tendons track smoothly through anatomical pathways by maintaining proper bone positions.
  • This smooth tracking prevents friction and inflammation from abnormal movement patterns.

Muscular Efficiency and Support

  • Joint alignment enables muscles to operate at ideal length-tension relationships through optimal positioning.
  • This positioning allows maximum force production while minimising energy expenditure.
  • As a result, efficient muscle function provides dynamic stabilisation during activities.
  • Well-aligned joints create balanced muscle activation where opposing groups share loads appropriately.
  • This balanced activation prevents single muscles from overworking which reduces strain injury risk.
  • Proper positioning eliminates compensatory movements thereby preventing cascade effects throughout kinetic chain.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 45

Compare the biomechanical principles involved in safe pushing versus pulling movements.   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only

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

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 44

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

Show Answers Only

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)

Show Answers Only

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.
Show Worked Solution

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 42

Explain the relationship between force and safe movement when performing a pushing action.   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

  • Applying force in line with the intended movement direction prevents twisting forces on the spine and joints.
  • This alignment reduces shear stress on vertebral discs and ligaments, preventing acute injuries during pushing.
  • A wide, staggered stance creates a stable base of support that allows force to transfer efficiently through the body.
  • Such stability prevents loss of balance and falling, which could cause impact injuries
  • Engaging large muscle groups like pectorals, deltoids and triceps distributes the pushing load across multiple areas.
  • Force distribution prevents any single muscle from overloading, reducing strain injuries.
  • Maintaining neutral spine position while pushing ensures forces travel through the strongest part of the vertebral column.
  • Proper posture prevents disc compression and muscle spasms common with poor technique.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • Applying force in line with the intended movement direction prevents twisting forces on the spine and joints.
  • This alignment reduces shear stress on vertebral discs and ligaments, preventing acute injuries during pushing.
  • A wide, staggered stance creates a stable base of support that allows force to transfer efficiently through the body.
  • Such stability prevents loss of balance and falling, which could cause impact injuries
  • Engaging large muscle groups like pectorals, deltoids and triceps distributes the pushing load across multiple areas.
  • Force distribution prevents any single muscle from overloading, reducing strain injuries.
  • Maintaining neutral spine position while pushing ensures forces travel through the strongest part of the vertebral column.
  • Proper posture prevents disc compression and muscle spasms common with poor technique.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 41

Outline how the principle of stability relates to safe movement in a standing position.  (3 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

  • A wider base of support increases stability by creating a larger area for the body’s weight to be distributed.
  • This extended support base reduces the risk of falling when standing.
  • Keeping the centre of gravity low and within the base of support maintains balance.
  • Proper balance prevents dangerous tilting or loss of equilibrium.
  • Aligning body weight directly over the base ensures forces are distributed evenly through joints.
  • Even force distribution reduces strain on ankles, knees and hips during prolonged standing.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • A wider base of support increases stability by creating a larger area for the body’s weight to be distributed.
  • This extended support base reduces the risk of falling when standing.
  • Keeping the centre of gravity low and within the base of support maintains balance.
  • Proper balance prevents dangerous tilting or loss of equilibrium.
  • Aligning body weight directly over the base ensures forces are distributed evenly through joints.
  • Even force distribution reduces strain on ankles, knees and hips during prolonged standing.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 39 MC

In which movement does balance have the GREATEST impact on safe execution?

  1. Bench press
  2. Bicep curl
  3. Seated row
  4. Handstand
Show Answers Only

\(D\)

Show Worked Solution
  • D is correct: Handstand requires precise balance over center of gravity for safety

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Supported by bench, balance less critical
  • B is incorrect: Supported standing/seated position
  • C is incorrect: Fully supported seated position

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 6 MC

When performing a heavy deadlift, which biomechanical principle is MOST important for preventing lower back injury?

  1. Maintaining neutral spine alignment
  2. Increasing lifting speed
  3. Narrowing the base of support
  4. Rotating the trunk during lift
Show Answers Only

\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct: Neutral spine distributes forces evenly along vertebrae, preventing injury

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Rapid lifting increases injury risk through uncontrolled forces
  • C is incorrect: Narrow base reduces stability and increases fall risk
  • D is incorrect: Trunk rotation during lifting can cause disc herniation