Dynamics
Watch Your Back!
   
       
    Date : July 2016
Author : Mathieu Riopel, Olivier Tardif-Paradis, Alexandre April
College : Cégep Garneau
Length : About 3 hours
Related concept(s) : biomechanics
    This problem asks the students to analyse the musculoskeletal forces in the back of a person lifting a load. More specifically, they are asked to calculate the muscular force and the reaction force exerted on a lumbar vertebra in two different positions: bent forward with the back curved, or knees bent with the back straight. Using the principles of static equilibrium, the students will come to understand the impact of certain habits on the health of their back.