Base of Support (BOS)

Definition

The area of the body that contacts the environment and thereby allows generation of supporting “environment reaction” forces (i.e. ground reaction forces at the feet, and analogous forces occurring at the hand if it is in contact with a stable object or surface). In the absence of hand support, the horizontal location of the center of mass of the body must remain within the limits of the base of support defined by the feet (i.e. the area circumscribed by the outer margins of the feet) in order to maintain a state of static postural equilibrium.

Postural Strategies