Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist explains the physics behind successful hula hooping

The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Hula-hooping is a popular and seemingly simple activity that many children can do. However, the physics behind what makes a good hula-hooper has only just been studied with the first to mathematical explanation of hula-hooping dynamics published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The research not only found what keeps a hula-hoop spinning against gravity but also reveal why some people find it easier than others - and body shape does matter!

The researchers used robotic models with different 3D-printed body shapes including cylinders, cones, and hourglasses to replicate hula-hooping motions. Using high-speed video analysis, they found that while twirling a hoop was straightforward across body types, keeping it elevated against gravity required a specific body shape. Bodies with sloping hips to push the hoop upward and curvy waists to hold it in place were most effective. The research shows that while all body shapes are able to hula-hoop, those with an hourglass or pear-shaped body will find it easier than those with a straight or apple shaped figure.

The researchers also looked at the best way to start hula-hooping and determined that the launch speed is crucial: if it's too slow, or combined with a gyrating motion that's too slow, the hoop simply falls off.

While studying hula-hooping sounds like fun, the research also has practical implications to inspire innovations in energy harvesting from vibrations and improve robotic positioners used in industrial applications.

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