On slippery surfaces, foot placement should be closer to what to reduce shear force?

On slippery surfaces, foot placement should be closer to what to reduce shear force?

• A. The opposite foot only
• B. The heel only
• C. The toes only
• D. The body's center of mass

Answer: (D)

On slippery surfaces, the important idea is to keep your base of support close to your body's center of mass. When your feet are nearer the center of mass, the horizontal (shear) forces needed to keep you upright are reduced because the lever arm between the ground reaction force and your center of mass is smaller. That makes it easier to stay balanced with less reliance on friction, and it also lowers the risk of tipping. So foot placement closer to the body's center of mass best reduces shear forces.

On slippery surfaces, the important idea is to keep your base of support close to your body's center of mass. When your feet are nearer the center of mass, the horizontal (shear) forces needed to keep you upright are reduced because the lever arm between the ground reaction force and your center of mass is smaller. That makes it easier to stay balanced with less reliance on friction, and it also lowers the risk of tipping. So foot placement closer to the body's center of mass best reduces shear forces.