How do you define the base of support?

The base of support (BOS) refers to the area beneath an object or person that includes every point of contact that the object or person makes with the supporting surface. These points of contact may be body parts e.g. feet or hands, or they may include things like crutches or the chair a person is sitting in.

What is a narrow base of support?

Narrow Stance If you compare the two pictures, you’ll see that in a normal stance your base of support is about 12-15 inches wide, while in a narrow stance your base of support is only 6-8 inches wide. You can feel the difference this makes if you ask a friend to give you a gentle push while you try out each stance.

How are base of support and balance related?

To maintain balance, the postural control system keeps the body’s center of mass (COM) over the base of support (BOS). The BOS is the minimum area enclosing the body’s contact with the ground. Therefore, while standing, the BOS is the area enclosing the soles of the feet (or shoes).

What is the base of gait?

The base of gait (BOG) during running is a frontal-plane variable that describes the mediolateral distance between the placement of the foot during midstance relative to the individual’s line of gravity.

Why is base of support important?

The larger the base of support the more stable the person/athlete is able to be. Smaller BOS allows the athlete to accelerate faster and be more mobile. The hand making contact with the ground increases the BOS.

How can the base of support be improved?

Improvement with exercise

  1. Work on your base of support. a. Standing still, feet together.
  2. Work on maintaining your balance with movement. a. Begin by standing on both feet on a solid surface, but now challenge your balance by moving.
  3. Add resistance training to improve the strength in your legs and core.

How do you find the base of support?

The base of support is the area around the outside edge of the sections of your body in contact with the ground/surface. Below you can see these areas shaded in various body positions. BOS whilst walking. This is a larger BOS than standing with feet together.

How far apart should base of support be?

Place your feet apart (about 18 inches) with one foot slightly ahead of the other. Feet should be shoulder-width apart to give you a broad base of support (see Figure 25.3). Get close to whatever is being lifted instead of reaching for it. Move in and hold the object close to your body (see Figure 25.4).

Why does a person need a wide base of support?

A wide base of support is the foundation for stability. A wide base of support is achieved by placing feet a comfortable, shoulder width distance apart. When a vertical line falls from the centre of gravity through the wide base of support, body balance is achieved.

How does base of support affect performance?

The larger the base of support the more stable the person/athlete is able to be. When an athlete is anticipating contact from an external player, they will natrually widen their base of support IN THE DIRECTION OF FORCE (or impeding force). Smaller BOS allows the athlete to accelerate faster and be more mobile.

How can a wide base of support help in performance?

The larger the base of support the more stable the person/athlete is able to be. When an athlete is anticipating contact from an external player, they will natrually widen their base of support IN THE DIRECTION OF FORCE (or impeding force).

When do you widen the base of support?

Base of Support When the core and entire lumbopelvic region has poor motor control and stability, especially in the transverse and frontal planes, a way the body likes to compensate is by widening the base of support. Here is an example of a young athlete performing a medicine ball chest pass. Notice his base of support in the first photo.

What do you mean by base of support?

Base of support. The base of support is the area around the outside edge of the sections of your body in contact with the ground/surface. Below you can see these areas shaded in various body positions. Standing with feet close together provides a smaller base of support (BOS) BOS whilst walking.

Where is the base of support in the body?

Base of support. The base of support is the area around the outside edge of the sections of your body in contact with the ground/surface.

How does the size of the base of support affect stability?

Another factor affecting stability is the size of the base of support. This consists of the area enclosed by the outermost edges of the body in contact with the supporting surface or surfaces.