THE LOCATION OF THE CARDINAL ANATOMICAL ORIENTATION PLANES PASSING THROUGH THE CENTER OF WEIGHT IN YOUNG ADULT WOMEN

Abstract

Observations were made on 445 subjects. The height of the center of gravity was measured in recumbency. Its location in the vertical planes was determined in the upright stance when a natural, comfortable posture was assumed or when the subject stood in her so-called "best posture." The mean % of total height below the horizontal plane passing through the center of gravity is 55. Departures from the mean vary over a singularly small range. The average location of the line of gravity is 5.08 cm. in front of the ankle joint and varies from a position nearly coincident with its axis of rotation to one at the extreme limits of the foot support. The upright stance is asymmetrical in the majority of young adult women. It is suggested that this may be an over-compensation incidental to handedness.