Science Explains Why You Can’t Hula Hoop

A recent study suggests that your body shape may play a bigger role in your hula hooping ability than your technique, with the findings also potentially influencing advancements in robotics and energy science.

Researchers at New York University (NYU) conducted experiments with robotic hula hoopers featuring basic body shapes, examining how variations in their form and movements influenced the physics of the spinning hoop.

Identifying the Body Shapes and Movements That Keep the Hoop Upright

Mathematician Leif Ristroph from NYU explains, “We focused on identifying which body shapes and motions could effectively keep the hoop upright and what physical limitations and requirements are involved.”

Robot Shape Influences Hula Hooping Success More Than Cross-Section or Motion

The shape of the robot’s cross-section (whether circular or elliptical) and its gyration motion did not affect its hula hooping ability. However, the robot’s overall shape played a significant role in keeping the hoop elevated for a longer period.

The most effective robot shapes featured sloping “hips” that helped lift the hoop and a narrow “waist” to stabilize it. For example, a pear shape proved successful, while a lightbulb shape was ineffective.

“People have a wide range of body types, with some having the sloping and curving traits in their hips and waist, while others do not,” says Ristroph.

“Our findings could help explain why some individuals are naturally good at hula hooping, while others have to put in more effort.”

Initial Speed is Key to Successful Hula Hooping

The researchers also examined how hula hooping begins. As anyone who has tried it knows, the initial speed is vital: if it’s too slow, or paired with a gyrating motion that lacks speed, the hoop will just fall off.

The team developed mathematical models to explain the observed movements and to extend their findings to other types of motion. These models could be valuable in situations where objects are moved and controlled without direct contact.

For example, positioning robots through motion and capturing energy from vibrations in mechanical systems are two areas where the principles of optimal hula hooping could guide future research.

For now, it seems that much of your hula hooping ability may be attributed to body shape. Even simple activities like this can reveal fascinating scientific insights when examined closely.

“We were surprised that an activity as popular, fun, and healthy as hula hooping hadn’t been understood at a basic physics level,” says Ristroph. “As we advanced with our research, we discovered that the math and physics behind it are quite subtle.”

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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