Pushing and Pulling

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Push-and-Pull Motions
Force Imparting
Biomechanics of Pushing a Cart

1. Hamilton, N., & Luttgens, K. 2002. Kinesiology, Scientific Basis of Human Motion, 10thed. Boston:
McGraw-Hill. Chapter 17, pp. 435-449.
2. Chaffin, D.B, & Andersson G.B.J., 1999. Occupational Biomechanics, 2nd ed.

Objectives: After studying this topic, the students will be able to

1. define push and pull patterns of motion
2. identify the the activities that involves push and pull patterns and give examples
3. analyze mechanical factors that affecting to push-and-pull activities

Push-and-Pull Motions

Definition
z

broad definition a segment motion that involves moving an object, either directly by part of the

body or by means of implement, in pushing and pulling pattern (Hamilton & Luttgens 2002, p.436)
{ a pitcher throws a baseball
{ a tennis player serves a tennis
{ a worker lifts a box from the floor onto an overhead rack
{ an archer shoots an arrow from a bow
limited definition a segmental motion that all forces are continuously applied onto an external
object (continuous application pattern of sequential movement)
{ an individual pushes a desk across the room

a traveler pulls his suitcase

Joint Action Patterns

z

simultaneous and opposite movement pattern in the upper extremity

{ flexion in elbow with extension in shoulder
{ extension in elbow with flexion in shoulder

simultaneous movement pattern in the lower extremity

{ simultaneous extension in the hip, knee, and ankle joints
{ simultaneous flexion in the hip, knee, and ankle joints

at the distal end of the movement chain, a rectilinear path of motion is present.
{ All forces produced by segmental motion are applied directly to the object and applied in the

direction of motion. (Hamilton & Luttgens 2002, p.436)

results maximum forces and/or maximum accuracy but no tangential forces

trade-off in velocity and accuracy

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Force Imparting

Mechanical Factors to be Considered

z

source of force
{ by hand
{ by foot
{ by head
{
{

by trunk
by implement

force
magnitude of force
{ direction of force
{ point of force application
stability of the body at the moment of giving motion
the interaction between the body and the surface that supports it
characteristics of the moving object
{

z
z
z

Magnitude of Force

The force to move an object must be greater enough to overcome the resultant of the following
forces
{ internal resistance (moment of inertia)
{ friction between the object and the supporting surface
{ resistance of the surrounding medium, such as air or water
For maximum force production, the maximum number of segments should be used through the
largest safe range of motion.
For maximum force accuracy, the minimum number of segments should be used through the
smallest possible range of motion.

Direction of Force
z

The direction the object moves is determined by the direction of the resultant of all forces imparting
on it
For maximum force production, the segments involved should be aligned with the intended
direction.
If the object is subject to move along a preset path (e.g. a sliding door), any component of force not
in this direction will be wasted and may act to increase resistance. If that force is greater enough,
then some destructions will occur.

Point of Force Application

z

Force applied in line with the COM of an object will result in linear motion of that object, provided the
object is freely movable; otherwise, it will result in rotary motion.
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Biomechanics of Pushing a Cart

Economy of Effort
z
z

use lower extremities ( friction)

force applied in line with the objects COM and in desired direction

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Established on 05/18/2003 and Last Updated 06/10/92 by Huei-Ming Chai, PT Phd

2003 at School of Physical Therapy, National Taiwan University, Taipei
All Right Reserved