Baghdad University

Al-Khwarizmi College of
Engineering
Biomedical engineering

Types of forces exerted

on human body joints

By:
Reham Ahmed Abdel Wahed
Ruqaya Mujahid Adnan
Zaid Samer Ghassan
Ahmed Hashem Kazem
Introduction

Forces play a fundamental role in the mechanics of the human body,

particularly in relation to the movement and stability of joints. A force can
be defined as a push or pull exerted on an object that can cause it to
accelerate, deform, or remain at rest. In the context of the human body,
forces are crucial for generating movement, maintaining posture, and
distributing loads across joints.
Various types of forces act on human body joints, influencing their function
and biomechanics. Some common types of forces exerted on joints include
compression, tension, shear, torsion, bending, impact, axial compression,
and lateral shear. Each of these forces has distinct characteristics and
implications for joint health and function.
Compression forces occur when joint surfaces are pushed together,
compressing the tissues in between. Tension forces, on the other hand, result
from the pulling apart of joint surfaces. Shear forces involve the sliding or
gliding of joint surfaces parallel to the plane of the joint, whereas torsional
forces arise from twisting or rotating movements around the joint axis.
Bending forces cause joints to flex or extend, while impact forces result from
sudden and intense external impacts on the joints. Axial compression forces
act along the long axis of a bone or joint, while lateral shear forces occur
when joint surfaces slide or glide against each other perpendicular to the
joint plane.
Understanding the types and effects of forces on human body joints is
crucial for various fields, including sports science, biomechanics, physical
therapy, and orthopedics. By comprehending the forces acting on joints,
professionals can design appropriate exercise programs, develop injury
prevention strategies, and optimize rehabilitation protocols.
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 Forces on the body

static
force

dynamic
force

frictional force

A. s
tatic force
When objects are stationary or in a state of equilibrium, the total sum of forces acting on the object in any
given direction is equal to zero. This means that the forces pushing or pulling on the object are balanced,
resulting in no net force in any particular direction.
Similarly, the total sum of torques (or moments) exerted on the object about any chosen axis is also equal
to zero. Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object. In equilibrium, the torques acting
on the object are balanced, resulting in no net torque about the chosen axis.
In summary, when an object is in a state of equilibrium, the sum of forces in any direction is zero,
indicating a balance of forces, and the sum of torques about any axis is also zero, indicating a balance of
rotational forces.
For example, the arm in the elbow joint

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 Figure1: The three levers’ classes and schematic example of each in the body. W is a force that could
be the weight, F is a force at the fulcrum point and M is the muscle force.

B. Dynamic force
The force becomes particularly important when a body is in motion and comes into contact with another
body. This force arises on the body when there is acceleration or deceleration involved. According to
Newton's second law, the force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and acceleration.
In other words, the force experienced by an object is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the
rate at which its velocity changes. When an object accelerates or decelerates, there is a force acting on it
that causes this change in velocity. The greater the mass of the object, the greater the force required to
produce a given acceleration, and vice versa.
An example:

Figure
(2): Whiplash injury. (a) the trunk of a person sitting in an automobile struck from behind is
accelerated forward due to the forces acting through the seat. (b) the inertia of the head causes it to
stay in place while the trunk of the body moves forward, leading to severe stretching in the neck
region. (c) A moment later the head is accelerated forward.

C. Frictional force
Friction is a ubiquitous phenomenon that influences various aspects of our everyday lives. It plays a
crucial role in both limiting the efficiency of machines and enabling the functioning of certain devices. In
many machines such as electrical generators and automobiles, friction acts as a hindrance by causing
energy loss. This energy loss occurs as a result of the resistance encountered when two surfaces rub
against each other. Friction reduces the efficiency of these machines by converting some of the useful
energy into heat, thereby diminishing their overall performance.
In the context of the human body, friction plays a significant role in several ways. When we interact
with our environment, frictional effects become important in various bodily movements and functions.
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 Walking is a prime example where friction is crucial. As we take a step, our foot makes contact with the
ground. The friction between the foot and the ground provides the necessary grip and traction to propel us
forward and maintain stability. Without friction, walking would be extremely challenging, as our feet
would have difficulty gripping the ground, leading to slips and falls. Friction also plays a role in other
physical activities. For instance, when we grasp objects, the friction between our fingers and the object's
surface allows us to maintain a secure grip. This is essential for tasks such as picking up objects, holding
onto tools, or performing delicate manipulations.
Moreover, friction influences our body's movement in relation to various surfaces. For example, when we
slide down a slide or ride a bike, the friction between our body and the surface affects our speed, control,
and overall experience. Friction also comes into play during sports activities, where athletes rely on
friction to generate traction and make quick movements.
In summary, friction in the context of the human body is crucial for activities such as walking, grasping
objects, and interacting with various surfaces. It provides grip, stability, and control, but excessive friction
can also lead to discomfort and injuries. By recognizing and managing frictional effects, we can enhance
our physical performance and well-being.
For example: When a person walks, for instance, the heel of their foot makes contact with the ground,
resulting in a force transfer from the foot to the ground. This force can be resolved into two components: a
vertical component and a horizontal component. The vertical component represents the reaction force
supplied by the surface and is commonly referred to as the normal force, labeled as "N" (as shown in
Figure 3).
f =N
Where N is a normal force and µ is a coefficient of friction between the two surfaces.

Figure 3. Normal walking. (a) both a horizontal frictional component of force Fv and a vertical
(normal) component of force N exist on the heel as it strikes the ground. Frictional between the heel
and the surface prevents the foot from slipping forward. (b) when the foot leaves the ground the
frictional component of force Fv prevents the toe from slipping backward,

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 Conclusion

In conclusion, the human body experiences various types of

forces exerted on its joints. It's important to note that the
human body is a complex system, and multiple forces often
act simultaneously on joints. The interaction of these forces
determines the overall load and stress placed on the joints
during various activities. Proper understanding and
management of these forces are crucial for maintaining joint
health, preventing injuries, and optimizing performance.

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 References:

1. Dr. Muhannad Sami, (2019), Force on and in the body,

Dentistry College Medical Physics.
2. Nordin, M., & Frankel, V. (2012). Basic biomechanics of the
musculoskeletal system. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
3. Neumann, D. A. (2016). Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal
system: Foundations for physical rehabilitation. Elsevier Health
Sciences.
4. Kapandji, A. I. (2013). The physiology of the joints: Annotated
diagrams of the mechanics of the human joints (Vol. 1).
Elsevier Health Sciences.
5. Leonardo Da Vinci et all., (2018), Force in Joints, 1452- 1519.
6. Raghdan J. AlKhoury, (2010), Identification of Motive Forces
on the Whole-Body System during Walking.