Edexcel GCSE Physical Education: Movement Analysis

A trampolinist rises into the air and performs a front somersault, rotating forwards in a tucked shape before landing.

Analyse the movement, identifying the plane and axis in which the somersault occurs and explaining why this plane–axis combination produces the forward rotation. Refer to the lever and the antagonistic muscle action at the knee as she tucks her legs. (6 marks)

When a performer rises onto tiptoes during a calf raise, the ankle acts as a second-class lever. In one performer the effort arm is 20 cm and the load arm is 8 cm.

(a) Calculate the mechanical advantage of this lever using $\text{mechanical advantage} = \dfrac{\text{effort arm}}{\text{load arm}}$mechanical advantage=load armeffort arm​. Show your working. (2 marks)

(b) A mechanical advantage greater than 1 means the lever makes moving the load easier. State whether this lever has a mechanical advantage greater than 1, and explain what this tells you about a second-class lever. (2 marks)

During a bicep curl, the elbow joint acts as a lever.

(a) Name the class of lever operating at the elbow during a bicep curl, and identify what acts as the fulcrum, the effort and the load. (2 marks)

(b) State the main advantage that this class of lever provides for movement. (1 mark)

A gymnast performs a cartwheel, moving sideways across the floor.

(a) Name the plane and the axis in which a cartwheel takes place. (2 marks)

(b) Name one other whole-body sporting action, different from a cartwheel, that takes place in the same plane. (1 mark)

As a footballer kicks a ball, the knee extends powerfully through the moment of contact.

State which muscle is the agonist producing this knee extension, and name the type of muscle contraction it performs as it shortens to straighten the knee. (2 marks)

A golfer rotates the trunk to swing the club, twisting the body around a vertical line running from head to feet.

Name the plane in which this trunk rotation takes place. (1 mark)