What happens to energy expenditure when the lever arm moves away from the midline?

When the lever arm moves away from the midline, the mechanical advantage changes, typically resulting in an increase in the resistance the body has to overcome to perform a movement. This increased distance from the center of mass increases the torque required for movement, which in turn can lead to greater energy expenditure.

As the lever arm lengthens, the muscles must exert more force to achieve the same movement, resulting in a higher demand for energy. This is due to the increased work required to stabilize and control the movement, especially for exercises that involve lifting or moving weights. Thus, as the lever arm extends away from the midline, the body's requirement for energy rises, leading to increased energy expenditure to execute the movement effectively.