Hula Hoop in Fitness and the Centripetal Force

Abstract

Since centuries ago or even more, the hula hoop has been practiced by people to keep their good health while having fun. Curiously, this simple toy made by a plastic ring, also previously made by a circle of willow, rattan, grapevines or stiff grasses, is subjected to several high and complex physical laws that make, at the same time, possible its beautiful movements. Physical laws are opposing and/or accompanying the movement of the circle-hoop-ring, such as gravity, centripetal force, friction, speed or velocity, and acceleration, in a torque or tendency to rotate. Specific muscles of the body are activated during hula hoop dancing and a general cardio exercise is happening. On the other hand, a stimulation of creativity is also occurring to make a mathematically reasonable and beautiful flow of movements for the own enjoyment or to make a performance for other people's enjoyment. Then, the dancer with a hoop is moving the ring around several parts of his/her body (waist, core, shoulders, neck, arms), also rolling it over the body like a wheel, making waves in different axis, tossing it to the air or floor, etc. and dancer can jump him/herself through the hoop, or stealing its movements with his/her body. While motor learning happens, specific areas of the brain are activated differently during trials of learning. Then flow and fluid movements become automatic in an asymmetrical way considering our hand preference. However, for getting all this benefits, it is required a controlled practice in children and adults, that means a smooth and not violent, reasonable and measured practice in time and intensity and not negligent or irresponsible. Otherwise, some lesions have been described in literature.

Pengembangan Permainan Simpai: Stimulasi Kecerdasan Anak Usia Dini

“…Kemampuan spiritual anak juga berkembang dalam permainan Simpai yaitu kemampuan anak mengatur tujuannya dalam bermain (Harrington, 2014). Namun agar manfaat permainan Simpai maksimal pemainnya, terutama anak-anak sebaiknya dilakukan pelatihan agar permainan dapat bermain lancar dan terkendali (Garcia-Falgueras, 2016).…”

Rethinking the Relationship between Technology and Health through Online Physical Education during the Pandemic

“…For children, sports are essential to support their posture. Since childhood, children who regularly exercise will have a sturdy posture and not bend when walking (Garcia-Falgueras, 2016).…”

Unusual Eye Trauma Caused by Hula Hoop: A Case Report

“…We could not identify, through literature search, any single study that reported hoopingrelated eye injuries. Hula-hooping has to be performed in a spacious area as it is based on natural laws and principles of nature, therefore, its risk under safe condition is very little or absent [6]. Hooping related injuries, described in literature, include: myositis, bruises, oedemas, allergies, dermatitis, dizziness and headaches [10] [11] [12].…”

“…This sport requires complex skills by which a hoop with its circular shape, is kept in steady oscillation parallel to the ground or other planes by means of coordinate oscillations of different parts of the body [6]. This sport is mostly performed without any protective measures and there are only a few hula-hooping-related injuries reported in the literature, mainly due to irresponsible use of the hula-hoop or the existence of previous diseases [6]. A search of the literature produced no evidence of any eye injury caused by hula-hooping.…”