Center of Pressure (COP)

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Original Editor - User:Anne Dixie Lim

Top Contributors - Anne Dixie Lim and Kapil Narale

Introduction[edit | edit source]


	COP	COM
Definition	The point of application of the ground reaction force (GRF) on the foot or the contact area between a person and a support surface.	The point in the body where it represents the average location of all the body's mass.
Measures	Balance or postural control	Balance or postural control
Tools needed	Force plates or pressure sensors	Motion capture system
Quantity	Scalar	Vector
Control	The neuromuscular response to maintain stability is likely reflected by movements of the COP. CoP outcomes (measured portably via balance plates), provide information that reflect the nervous system’s response to CoM movement	COM movements are closely monitored by the central nervous system (CNS) and likely initiate and direct postural responses.
Biomechanics concept	Kinetic	Kinematic
Use in biomechanics	Assess postural stability and balance	Analyze the body's motion and predict its trajectory
Examples	Useful for analyzing standing and balance tasks	Useful for analyzing activities such as jumping, running, and throwing

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