What is defined as the ability to maintain center of gravity over the base of support without taking a step or adjusting?

The correct answer is defined as balance, which refers to the ability to maintain one’s center of gravity over their base of support without the need for steps or adjustments. This skill is critical in various physical activities and sports, as it allows individuals to stay upright and in control of their movements under different conditions.

Balance is often assessed through various tasks that challenge an individual's ability to hold a position or perform movements without falling or losing control. In the context of kinesiology, understanding balance is key to evaluating an individual's functional capacity and is integral to developing effective training programs aimed at improving stability and performance.

While steadiness, sway, and stability pertain to similar concepts, they do not encapsulate the precise definition provided in the question. Steadiness refers to the ability to remain steady or unchanging, sway involves the natural slight movement that occurs even when trying to maintain balance, and stability looks at overall postural control. However, balance specifically indicates the capacity to control the body's position in space without moving the feet, which aligns directly with the question's definition.