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Pablos A, Arsuaga JL. Tarsals from the Sima de los Huesos Middle Pleistocene site (Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2024; 307:2635-2664. [PMID: 38477186 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Here, we provide a complete, updated, and illustrated inventory, as well as a comprehensive study, of the tarsals (rearfoot) recovered from the Middle Pleistocene site of Sima de los Huesos (SH, Atapuerca, Spain) in comparison to other Homo comparative samples, both extant and fossil. The minimum number of individuals (MNI) estimated from the tarsals has been established as 15, which represents 51.7% of the 29 dental individuals identified within the SH sample. Within the SH hominin foot sample, an exclusive combination of primitive or plesiomorphic and derived or autapomorphic traits can be observed when compared with other Homo individuals/populations. Other characters are shared among SH hominins and Neandertals that might represent shared derived or autapomorphic traits for this evolutionary line, and most are likely related to robusticity (e.g., rectangular-like trochlea of the talus, broad calcanei, broad naviculars, and short lateral cuneiforms). Additionally, we observed some exclusive autapomorphic traits in the SH tarsal sample (e.g., narrow head of the talus and short intermediate cuneiforms). A few exclusive traits in SH tarsal remains are even more robust than in Neandertals (e.g., broad lateral malleolar facet in talus, more projected sustentaculum tali, and broad medial cuneiform). These traits could suggest a slightly higher level of gracilization in the tarsal bones of Neandertals compared to the SH sample that is also supported by other anatomical postcranial skeleton elements. Additionally, some paleobiological inferences are made in relation to body size (stature and body mass) and some associations are proposed within the SH sample. In conclusion, the morphology of the SH tarsi confirms an evolutionary relationship of sister groups between this population and Neandertals, probably representing a morphotype similar to the Neandertal ancestors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Pablos
- Departamento de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Prehistoria y Arqueología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Investigación sobre Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), Burgos, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Arsuaga
- Departamento de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Investigación sobre Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
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Van Hooren B, Jukic I, Cox M, Frenken KG, Bautista I, Moore IS. The Relationship Between Running Biomechanics and Running Economy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Sports Med 2024; 54:1269-1316. [PMID: 38446400 PMCID: PMC11127892 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-01997-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Running biomechanics is considered an important determinant of running economy (RE). However, studies examining associations between running biomechanics and RE report inconsistent findings. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to determine associations between running biomechanics and RE and explore potential causes of inconsistency. METHODS Three databases were searched and monitored up to April 2023. Observational studies were included if they (i) examined associations between running biomechanics and RE, or (ii) compared running biomechanics between groups differing in RE, or (iii) compared RE between groups differing in running biomechanics during level, constant-speed, and submaximal running in healthy humans (18-65 years). Risk of bias was assessed using a modified tool for observational studies and considered in the results interpretation using GRADE. Meta-analyses were performed when two or more studies reported on the same outcome. Meta-regressions were used to explore heterogeneity with speed, coefficient of variation of height, mass, and age as continuous outcomes, and standardization of running shoes, oxygen versus energetic cost, and correction for resting oxygen or energy cost as categorical outcomes. RESULTS Fifty-one studies (n = 1115 participants) were included. Most spatiotemporal outcomes showed trivial and non-significant associations with RE: contact time r = - 0.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.15 to 0.12); flight time r = 0.11 (- 0.09 to 0.32); stride time r = 0.01 (- 0.8 to 0.50); duty factor r = - 0.06 (- 0.18 to 0.06); stride length r = 0.12 (- 0.15 to 0.38), and swing time r = 0.12 (- 0.13 to 0.36). A higher cadence showed a small significant association with a lower oxygen/energy cost (r = - 0.20 [- 0.35 to - 0.05]). A smaller vertical displacement and higher vertical and leg stiffness showed significant moderate associations with lower oxygen/energy cost (r = 0.35, - 0.31, - 0.28, respectively). Ankle, knee, and hip angles at initial contact, midstance or toe-off as well as their range of motion, peak vertical ground reaction force, mechanical work variables, and electromyographic activation were not significantly associated with RE, although potentially relevant trends were observed for some outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Running biomechanics can explain 4-12% of the between-individual variation in RE when considered in isolation, with this magnitude potentially increasing when combining different variables. Implications for athletes, coaches, wearable technology, and researchers are discussed in the review. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/293 ND (OpenScience Framework).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Van Hooren
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Ivan Jukic
- Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maartje Cox
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen G Frenken
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Iker Bautista
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
- Department of Physiotherapy, Catholic University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel S Moore
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
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Schuster RW, Cresswell AG, Kelly LA. Human foot form and function: variable and versatile, yet sufficiently related to predict function from form. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232543. [PMID: 38196364 PMCID: PMC10777145 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The human foot is a complex structure that plays an important role in our capacity for upright locomotion. Comparisons of our feet with those of our closest extinct and extant relatives have linked shape features (e.g. the longitudinal and transverse arches, heel size and toe length) to specific mechanical functions. However, foot shape varies widely across the human population, so it remains unclear if and how specific shape variants are related to locomotor mechanics. Here we constructed a statistical shape-function model (SFM) from 100 healthy participants to directly explore the relationship between the shape and function of our feet. We also examined if we could predict the joint motion and moments occurring within a person's foot during locomotion based purely on shape features. The SFM revealed that the longitudinal and transverse arches, relative foot proportions and toe shape along with their associated joint mechanics were most variable. However, each of these only accounted for small proportions of the overall variation in shape, deformation and joint mechanics, most likely owing to the high structural complexity of the foot. Nevertheless, a leave-one-out analysis showed that the SFM can accurately predict joint mechanics of a novel foot, based on its shape and deformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W. Schuster
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
- Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4215, Australia
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4215, Australia
| | - Andrew G. Cresswell
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - Luke A. Kelly
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
- Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4215, Australia
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4215, Australia
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Blazevich AJ, Fletcher JR. More than energy cost: multiple benefits of the long Achilles tendon in human walking and running. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:2210-2225. [PMID: 37525526 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Elastic strain energy that is stored and released from long, distal tendons such as the Achilles during locomotion allows for muscle power amplification as well as for reduction of the locomotor energy cost: as distal tendons perform mechanical work during recoil, plantar flexor muscle fibres can work over smaller length ranges, at slower shortening speeds, and at lower activation levels. Scant evidence exists that long distal tendons evolved in humans (or were retained from our more distant Hominoidea ancestors) primarily to allow high muscle-tendon power outputs, and indeed we remain relatively powerless compared to many other species. Instead, the majority of evidence suggests that such tendons evolved to reduce total locomotor energy cost. However, numerous additional, often unrecognised, advantages of long tendons may speculatively be of greater evolutionary advantage, including the reduced limb inertia afforded by shorter and lighter muscles (reducing proximal muscle force requirement), reduced energy dissipation during the foot-ground collisions, capacity to store and reuse the muscle work done to dampen the vibrations triggered by foot-ground collisions, reduced muscle heat production (and thus core temperature), and attenuation of work-induced muscle damage. Cumulatively, these effects should reduce both neuromotor fatigue and sense of locomotor effort, allowing humans to choose to move at faster speeds for longer. As these benefits are greater at faster locomotor speeds, they are consistent with the hypothesis that running gaits used by our ancestors may have exerted substantial evolutionary pressure on Achilles tendon length. The long Achilles tendon may therefore be a singular adaptation that provided numerous physiological, biomechanical, and psychological benefits and thus influenced behaviour across multiple tasks, both including and additional to locomotion. While energy cost may be a variable of interest in locomotor studies, future research should consider the broader range of factors influencing our movement capacity, including our decision to move over given distances at specific speeds, in order to understand more fully the effects of Achilles tendon function as well as changes in this function in response to physical activity, inactivity, disuse and disease, on movement performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jared R Fletcher
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Kovács B, Dong S, Song Y, Jingyi Y, Béres S, Tihanyi J, Zhang J, Petridis L, Gu Y. A longer Achilles tendon moment arm length is not associated with superior hopping performance. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1270169. [PMID: 37954019 PMCID: PMC10639158 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1270169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Variability in musculoskeletal and lower leg structure has the potential to influence hopping height. Achilles tendon moment arm length and plantarflexor muscle strength can influence ankle joint torque development and, consequently, hopping performance. While most studies have examined the connection of the Achilles tendon moment arm with hopping performance including the resting length, in this study we attempted to explore how the changes in Achilles tendon moment arm are related to hopping performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test for correlations between foot and lower leg muscle structure parameters (i.e., muscle mass, volume, cross-sectional area and Achilles tendon moment arm length) and hopping height performance in relation to changes in Achilles tendon moment arm length. Eighteen participants (10 males 8 female) performed repetitive bilateral hopping on a force platform while sagittal plane kinematics of the lower leg were recorded. Additionally, maximal isometric plantarflexion was measured. To obtain structural parameters of the lower leg, the right lower leg of each participant was scanned with magnetic resonance imaging. The cross-sectional areas of the Achilles tendon, soleus, lateral and medial gastrocnemius were measured, while muscle volumes, muscle mass, and Achilles tendon moment arm length were calculated. Contrary to our initial assumption, longer Achilles tendon moment arm did not result in superior hopping performance. Interestingly, neither maximal isometric plantarflexion force nor muscle size correlated with repetitive bilateral hopping performance. We can assume that the mechanical characteristics of the tendon and the effective utilization of the stored strain energy in the tendon may play a more important role in repetitive hopping than the structural parameters of the lower leg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bálint Kovács
- Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Department of Kinesiology, Hungarian University of Sports Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sun Dong
- Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yang Song
- Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ye Jingyi
- Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Sándor Béres
- Department of Athletics, Hungarian University of Sports Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Tihanyi
- Department of Kinesiology, Hungarian University of Sports Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jingfeng Zhang
- Department of Radiology, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Leonidas Petridis
- Research Centre for Sport Physiology, Hungarian University of Sport Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Yaodong Gu
- Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Papachatzis N, Ray SF, Takahashi KZ. Does human foot anthropometry relate to plantar flexor fascicle mechanics and metabolic energy cost across various walking speeds? J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245113. [PMID: 37092255 PMCID: PMC10226764 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Foot structures define the leverage in which the ankle muscles push off against the ground during locomotion. While prior studies have indicated that inter-individual variation in anthropometry (e.g. heel and hallux lengths) can directly affect force production of ankle plantar flexor muscles, its effect on the metabolic energy cost of locomotion has been inconclusive. Here, we tested the hypotheses that shorter heels and longer halluces are associated with slower plantar flexor (soleus) shortening velocity and greater ankle plantar flexion moment, indicating enhanced force potential as a result of the force-velocity relationship. We also hypothesized that such anthropometry profiles would reduce the metabolic energy cost of walking at faster walking speeds. Healthy young adults (N=15) walked at three speeds (1.25, 1.75 and 2.00 m s-1), and we collected in vivo muscle mechanics (via ultrasound), activation (via electromyography) and whole-body metabolic energy cost of transport (via indirect calorimetry). Contrary to our hypotheses, shorter heels and longer halluces were not associated with slower soleus shortening velocity or greater plantar flexion moment. Additionally, longer heels were associated with reduced metabolic cost of transport, but only at the fastest speed (2.00 m s-1, R2=0.305, P=0.033). We also found that individuals with longer heels required less increase in plantar flexor (soleus and gastrocnemius) muscle activation to walk at faster speeds, potentially explaining the reduced metabolic cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Papachatzis
- Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Samuel F. Ray
- Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA
| | - Kota Z. Takahashi
- Department of Health & Kinesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Pomeroy E. Review: The different adaptive trajectories in Neanderthals and Homo sapiens and their implications for contemporary human physiological variation. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2023; 280:111420. [PMID: 37001690 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Neanderthals are our one of our closest evolutionary cousins, but while they evolved in Eurasia, we (anatomically modern humans, AMH) originated in Africa. This contrasting evolutionary history has led to morphological and genetic distinctions between our species. Neanderthals are characterised by a relatively stocky build, high body mass, proportionally wide bodies and shorter limbs, a bell-shaped ribcage with a wide pelvis, and a long, low cranial vault compared with AMH. Classic readings of Neanderthal morphology link many of these traits to cold climate adaptations, however these interpretations have been questioned and alternative hypotheses including behavioural factors, dietary adaptations, locomotor specialisations, evolutionary history and neutral evolutionary processes have been invoked. Compared with AMH, Neanderthals may have been adapted for strength and power rather than endurance and may have consumed a diet high in animal products. However, reviewing these hypotheses highlights a number of limitations in our understanding of contemporary human physiology and metabolism, including the relationship between climate and morphology in AMH and Neanderthals, physiological limits on protein consumption, and the relationship between gut morphology and diet. As various relevant factors are clearly linked (e.g. diet, behaviour, metabolism, morphology, activity), ultimately a more integrated approach may be needed to fully understand Neanderthal biology. Variation among contemporary AMHs may offer, with caveats, a useful model for understanding the evolution of both Neanderthal and modern human characteristics, which in turn may further deepen our understanding of variability within and between contemporary humans. Neanderthals; Anatomically modern humans; morphology; climate adaptation; power adaptations; metabolism; diet; physiology; endurance running.
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Rodrigo-Carranza V, González-Mohíno F, Santos-Concejero J, González-Ravé JM. Impact of advanced footwear technology on elite men's in the evolution of road race performance. J Sports Sci 2023; 40:2661-2668. [PMID: 36814065 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2183103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Advanced footwear technology (AFT) changed footwear design concepts by using a curved carbon fibre plate in combination with new, more compliant and resilient foams. The aim of this study was (1) to examine the individual effects of AFT on the evolution of the main road events and (2) to re-assess the impact of AFT on the world's top-100 performance in men's 10k, half-marathon and marathon events. Data from the top-100 men's 10k, half-marathon and marathon performances were collected between 2015 and 2019. The shoes used by the athletes were identified in 93.1% of the cases by publicly available photographs. Runners wearing AFT had an average performance of 1671 ± 22.28 s compared to 1685 ± 18.97 s of runners not using AFT in 10k (0.83%) (p < 0.001), 3589 ± 29.79 s compared to 3607 ± 30.49 s in half-marathon (0.50%) (p < 0.001) and 7563 ± 86.10 s compared to 7637 ± 72.51 s in the marathon (0.97%) (p < 0.001). Runners wearing AFTs were faster by ~1% in the main road events compared to non-users. Individual analysis showed that ~25% of the runners did not benefit from the use of this type of footwear. The results of this study suggest that AFT has a clear positive impact on running performance in main road events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando González-Mohíno
- Sport Training Lab. University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain.,Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida y de la Naturaleza, Universidad Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordan Santos-Concejero
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria‑Gasteiz, Spain
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Rodrigo-Carranza V, González-Mohíno F, Casado A, Santos-Concejero J, Galán-Rioja MÁ, González-Ravé JM. Impact of advanced footwear technology on critical speed and performance in elite runners. FOOTWEAR SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/19424280.2022.2164624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando González-Mohíno
- Sport Training Lab. University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida y de la Naturaleza, Universidad Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arturo Casado
- Centre for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordan Santos-Concejero
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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Bennett EC, Machado E, Fletcher JR. How do differences in Achilles' tendon moment arm lengths affect muscle-tendon dynamics and energy cost during running? Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1125095. [PMID: 37139299 PMCID: PMC10150092 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1125095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The relationship between the Achilles tendon moment arm length (ATMA) and the energy cost of running (Erun) has been disputed. Some studies suggest a short ATMA reduces Erun while others claim a long ATMA reduces Erun. For a given ankle joint moment, a short ATMA permits a higher tendon strain energy storage, whereas a long ATMA reduces muscle fascicle force and muscle energy cost but shortening velocity is increased, elevating the metabolic cost. These are all conflicting mechanisms to reduce Erun, since AT energy storage comes at a metabolic cost. Neither of these proposed mechanisms have been examined together. Methods We measured ATMA using the tendon travel method in 17 males and 3 females (24 ± 3 years, 75 ± 11 kg, 177 ± 7 cm). They ran on a motorized treadmill for 10 min at 2.5 m · s-1 while Erun was measured. AT strain energy storage, muscle lengths, velocities and muscle energy cost were calculated during time-normalized stance from force and ultrasound data. A short (SHORT n = 11, ATMA = 29.5 ± 2.0 mm) and long (LONG, n = 9, ATMA = 36.6 ± 2.5 mm) ATMA group was considered based on a bimodal distribution of measured ATMA. Results Mean Erun was 4.9 ± 0.4 J · kg-1 · m-1. The relationship between ATMA and Erun was not significant (r 2 = 0.13, p = 0.12). Maximum AT force during stance was significantly lower in LONG (5,819 ± 1,202 N) compared to SHORT (6,990 ± 920 N, p = 0.028). Neither AT stretch nor AT strain energy storage was different between groups (mean difference: 0.3 ± 1 J · step-1, p = 0.84). Fascicle force was significantly higher in SHORT (508 ± 93 N) compared to LONG (468 ± 84 N. p = 0.02). Fascicle lengths and velocities were similar between groups (p > 0.72). Muscle energy cost was significantly lower in LONG (0.028 ± 0.08 J · kg · step-1) compared to SHORT (0.045 ± 0.14 J · kg · step-1 p = 0.004). There was a significant negative relationship between ATMA and total muscle energy cost relative to body mass across the stance phase (r = -0.699, p < 0.001). Discussion Together these results suggest that a LONG ATMA serves to potentially reduce Erun by reducing the muscle energy cost of the plantarflexors during stance. The relative importance of AT energy storage and return in reducing Erun should be re-considered.
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Bastir M, González Ruíz JM, Rueda J, Garrido López G, Gómez-Recio M, Beyer B, San Juan AF, Navarro E. Variation in human 3D trunk shape and its functional implications in hominin evolution. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11762. [PMID: 35817835 PMCID: PMC9273616 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15344-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the contribution of external trunk morphology and posture to running performance in an evolutionary framework. It has been proposed that the evolution from primitive to derived features of torso shape involved changes from a mediolaterally wider into a narrower, and antero-posteriorly deeper into a shallower, more lightly built external trunk configuration, possibly in relation to habitat-related changes in locomotor and running behaviour. In this context we produced experimental data to address the hypothesis that medio-laterally narrow and antero-posteriorly shallow torso morphologies favour endurance running capacities. We used 3D geometric morphometrics to relate external 3D trunk shape of trained, young male volunteers (N = 27) to variation in running velocities during different workloads determined at 45–50%, 70% and 85% of heart rate reserve (HRR) and maximum velocity. Below 85% HRR no relationship existed between torso shape and running velocity. However, at 85% HRR and, more clearly, at maximum velocity, we found highly statistically significant relations between external torso shape and running performance. Among all trained subjects those with a relatively narrow, flat torso, a small thoracic kyphosis and a more pronounced lumbar lordosis achieved significantly higher running velocities. These results support the hypothesis that external trunk morphology relates to running performance. Low thoracic kyphosis with a flatter ribcage may affect positively respiratory biomechanics, while increased lordosis affects trunk posture and may be beneficial for lower limb biomechanics related to leg return. Assuming that running workload at 45–50% HRR occurs within aerobic metabolism, our results may imply that external torso shape is unrelated to the evolution of endurance running performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Bastir
- Paleoanthropology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, J.G. Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - José María González Ruíz
- Paleoanthropology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, J.G. Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Rueda
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Garrido López
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Gómez-Recio
- Paleoanthropology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, J.G. Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Benoit Beyer
- Laboratory of Functional Anatomy (LAF), Faculty of Motor Skills Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alejandro F San Juan
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Navarro
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Hawley VS, Gurchiek RD, van Werkhoven H. Can Foot Anthropometry Predict Vertical Jump Performance? J Strength Cond Res 2022; 36:1860-1865. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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13
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Valencia O, Weinstein A, Salas R, Guzmán-Venegas R, Arvanitidis M, Martinez-Valdes E. Temporal differences in the myoelectric activity of lower limb muscles during rearfoot and forefoot running: A statistical parametric mapping approach. Eur J Sport Sci 2022; 23:983-991. [PMID: 35593659 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2081094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to apply statistical parametric mapping (SPM) to compare temporal changes in EMG amplitude between rearfoot (RF) and forefoot (FF) running techniques. Eleven recreational runners ran on a treadmill at a self-selected speed, once using a RF strike pattern and once using a FF strike pattern (randomized order). The myoelectric activity of five lower limb muscles [rectus femoris (RFe), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), medial and lateral gastrocnemius (MG and LG)] was evaluated, using bipolar electromyography (EMG). EMG data from the RF and FF running techniques was then processed and posteriorly compared with SPM, dividing the analysis of the running cycle into stance and swing phases. The MG and LG muscles showed higher activation during FF running at the beginning of the stance phase and at the end of the swing phase. During the end of the swing phase the TA muscle's EMG amplitude was higher, when the RF running technique was used. A higher level of co-activation between the gastrocnemius and TA muscles was observed at the end of the swing phase during RF running. The myoelectric behaviour of the RFe and BF muscles was similar during both running techniques. These findings highlight the importance of SPM for the accurate assessment of differences in muscle activity during running and strongly suggest that these two running techniques predominately reflect adjustments of the leg and not the thigh muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Valencia
- Laboratorio Integrativo de Biomecánica y Fisiología del Esfuerzo, Escuela de Kinesiología. Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería Civil Biomédica, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | | | - Rodrigo Salas
- Escuela de Ingeniería Civil Biomédica, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Guzmán-Venegas
- Laboratorio Integrativo de Biomecánica y Fisiología del Esfuerzo, Escuela de Kinesiología. Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Michail Arvanitidis
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Eduardo Martinez-Valdes
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Centro de Investigación en Fisiología del Ejercicio (CIFE), Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
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14
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Abstract
Research among non-industrial societies suggests that body kinematics adopted during running vary between groups according to the cultural importance of running. Among groups in which running is common and an important part of cultural identity, runners tend to adopt what exercise scientists and coaches consider to be good technique for avoiding injury and maximising performance. In contrast, among groups in which running is not particularly culturally important, people tend to adopt suboptimal technique. This paper begins by describing key elements of good running technique, including landing with a forefoot or midfoot strike pattern and leg oriented roughly vertically. Next, we review evidence from non-industrial societies that cultural attitudes about running associate with variation in running techniques. Then, we present new data from Tsimane forager–horticulturalists in Bolivia. Our findings suggest that running is neither a common activity among the Tsimane nor is it considered an important part of cultural identity. We also demonstrate that when Tsimane do run, they tend to use suboptimal technique, specifically landing with a rearfoot strike pattern and leg protracted ahead of the knee (called overstriding). Finally, we discuss processes by which culture might influence variation in running techniques among non-industrial societies, including self-optimisation and social learning. New evidence from the Tsimane underscores that running techniques vary between societies according to the cultural importance of running
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15
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Lee J, Zhang X. Is there really a proportional relationship between VO2max and body weight? A review article. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261519. [PMID: 34932594 PMCID: PMC8691647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a “gold standard” in aerobic capacity assessment, playing a vital role in various fields. However, ratio scaling ( VO2maxbw), the present method used to express relative VO2max, should be suspected due to its theoretical deficiencies. Therefore, the aim of the study was to revise the quantitative relationship between VO2max and body weight (bw). Dimensional analysis was utilized to deduce their theoretical relationship, while linear or nonlinear regression analysis based on four mathematical models (ratio scaling, linear function, simple allometric model and full allometric model) were utilized in statistics analysis to verify the theoretical relationship. Besides, to investigate the effect of ratio scaling on removing body weight, Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between VO2maxbw and bw. All the relevant data were collected from published references. Dimensional analysis suggested VO2max be proportional to bw23. Statistics analysis displayed that four mathematical expressions were VO2max = 0.047bw (p<0.01, R2 = 0.68), VO2max = 0.036bw+0.71 (p<0.01, R2 = 0.76), VO2max = 0.10bw0.82 (p<0.01, R2 = 0.93) and VO2max = 0.23bw0.66–0.48 (p<0.01, R2 = 0.81) respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient showed a significant moderately negative relation between VO2maxbw and bw (r = -0.42, p<0.01), while there was no correlation between VO2maxbw0.82 and bw (r = 0.066, p = 0.41). Although statistics analysis did not fully verify the theoretical result, both dimensional and statistics analysis suggested ratio scaling distort the relationship and power function be more appropriate to describe the relationship. Additionally, we hypothesized that lean mass, rather than body weight, plays a more essential role in eliminating the gap between theoretical and experimental b values, and is more appropriate to standardize VO2max, future studies can focus more on it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Lee
- School of Physical Education & Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- School of Physical Education & Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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16
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Cooper AN, McDermott WJ, Martin JC, Dulaney SO, Carrier DR. Great power comes at a high (locomotor) cost: the role of muscle fascicle length in the power versus economy performance trade-off. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:272355. [PMID: 34605905 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.236679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Muscle design constraints preclude simultaneous specialization of the vertebrate locomotor system for explosive and economical force generation. The resulting performance trade-off between power and economy has been attributed primarily to individual differences in muscle fiber type composition. While certainly crucial for performance specialization, fiber type likely interacts with muscle architectural parameters, such as fascicle length, to produce this trade-off. Longer fascicles composed of more serial sarcomeres can achieve faster shortening velocities, allowing for greater power production. Long fascicles likely reduce economy, however, because more energy-consuming contractile units are activated for a given force production. We hypothesized that longer fascicles are associated with both increased power production and locomotor cost. In 11 power-trained and 13 endurance-trained recreational athletes, we measured (1) muscle fascicle length via ultrasound in the gastrocnemius lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis and vastus lateralis, (2) maximal power during cycling and countermovement jumps, and (3) running cost of transport. We estimated muscle fiber type non-invasively based on the pedaling rate at which maximal cycling power occurred. As predicted, longer gastrocnemius muscle fascicles were correlated with greater lower-body power production and cost of transport. Multiple regression analyses revealed that variability in maximal power was explained by fiber type (46% for cycling, 24% for jumping) and average fascicle length (20% for cycling, 13% for jumping), while average fascicle length accounted for 15% of the variation in cost of transport. These results suggest that, at least for certain muscles, fascicle length plays an important role in the power versus economy performance trade-off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N Cooper
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - William J McDermott
- Sport Science and Research, The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, Murray, UT 84107, USA
| | - James C Martin
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Shea O Dulaney
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - David R Carrier
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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17
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Berthaume MA, Kramer PA. Anthroengineering: an independent interdisciplinary field. Interface Focus 2021; 11:20200056. [PMID: 34938428 PMCID: PMC8361575 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2020.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, funding agencies, institutes and professional bodies have recognized the profound benefits of transdisciplinarity in tackling targeted research questions. However, once questions are answered, the previously abundant support often dissolves. As such, the long-term benefits of these transdisciplinary approaches are never fully achieved. Over the last several decades, the integration of anthropology and engineering through inter- and multidisciplinary work has led to advances in fields such as design, human evolution and medical technologies. The lack of formal recognition, however, of this transdisciplinary approach as a unique entity rather than a useful tool or a subfield makes it difficult for researchers to establish laboratories, secure permanent jobs, fund long-term research programmes and train students in this approach. To facilitate the growth and development and witness the long-term benefits of this approach, we propose the integration of anthropology and engineering be recognized as a new, independent field known as anthroengineering. We present a working definition for anthroengineering and examples of how anthroengineering has been used. We discuss the necessity of recognizing anthroengineering as a unique field and explore potential novel applications. Finally, we discuss the future of anthroengineering, highlighting avenues for moving the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Berthaume
- Division of Mechanical Engineering and Design, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK
| | - Patricia Ann Kramer
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-3100, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-3100, USA
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18
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Hansen CE, Stensvig M, Wienecke J, Villa C, Lorentzen J, Rasmussen J, Simonsen EB. Factors correlated with running economy among elite middle- and long-distance runners. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e15076. [PMID: 34694064 PMCID: PMC8543686 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Running economy (RE) at a given submaximal running velocity is defined as oxygen consumption per minute per kg body mass. We investigated RE in a group of 12 male elite runners of national class. In addition to RE at 14 and 18 km h-1 we measured the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max ) and anthropometric measures including the moment arm of the Achilles tendon (LAch ), shank and foot volumes, and muscular fascicle lengths. A 3-D biomechanical movement analysis of treadmill running was also conducted. RE was on average 47.8 and 62.3 ml O2 min-1 kg-1 at 14 and 18 km h-1 . Maximal difference between the individual athletes was 21% at 18 km h-1 . Mechanical work rate was significantly correlated with VO2 measured in L min-1 at both running velocities. However, RE and relative work rate were not significantly correlated. LAch was significantly correlated with RE at 18 km h-1 implying that a short moment arm is advantageous regarding RE. Neither foot volume nor shank volume were significantly correlated to RE. Relative muscle fascicle length of m. soleus was significantly correlated with RE at 18 km h-1 . Whole body stiffness and leg stiffness were significantly correlated with LAch indicating that a short moment arm coincided with high stiffness. It is concluded that a short LAch is correlated with RE. Probably, a short LAch allows for storage of a larger amount of elastic energy in the tendon and influences the force-velocity relation toward a lower contraction velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie E. Hansen
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen NDenmark
| | - Martin Stensvig
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen NDenmark
| | - Jacob Wienecke
- Department of Sport and NutritionUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen NDenmark
| | - Chiara Villa
- Department of Forensic MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen ØDenmark
| | - Jakob Lorentzen
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen NDenmark
| | - John Rasmussen
- Department of Materials and ProductionAalborg UniversityAalborg ØDenmark
| | - Erik B. Simonsen
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen NDenmark
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19
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Fu F, Levadnyi I, Wang J, Xie Z, Fekete G, Cai Y, Gu Y. Effect of the Construction of Carbon Fiber Plate Insert to Midsole on Running Performance. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14185156. [PMID: 34576379 PMCID: PMC8467156 DOI: 10.3390/ma14185156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, to investigate the independent effect of the construction of the forefoot carbon-fiber plate inserted to the midsole on running biomechanics and finite element simulation, fifteen male marathon runners were arranged to run across a runway with embedded force plates at two specific running speeds (fast-speed: 4.81 ± 0.32 m/s, slow-speed: 3.97 ± 0.19 m/s) with two different experimental shoes (a segmented forefoot plate construction (SFC), and a full forefoot plate construction (FFC)), simulating the different pressure distributions, energy return, and stiffness during bending in the forefoot region between the SFC and FFC inserted to midsole. Kinetics and joint mechanics were analyzed. The results showed that the footwear with SFC significantly increased the peak metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) plantarflexion velocity and positive work at the knee joint compared to the footwear with FFC. The results about finite element simulation showed a reduced maximum pressure on the midsole; meanwhile, not significantly affected was the longitudinal bending stiffness and energy return with the SFC compared to the FFC. The results can be used for the design of marathon running shoes, because changing the full carbon fiber plate to segment carbon fiber plate induced some biomechanical transformation but did not significantly affect the running performance, what is more, reducing the peak pressure of the carbon plate to the midsole by cutting the forefoot area of the carbon fiber plate could be beneficial from a long-distance running perspective for manufacturers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengqin Fu
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China; (F.F.); (J.W.)
- Doctoral School on Safety and Security Sciences, Óbuda University, 1011-1239 Budapest, Hungary
- Xtep Sports Science & Engineering Laboratory, Xtep Co. Ltd., Xiamen 361000, China; (I.L.); (Z.X.); (Y.C.)
| | - Ievgen Levadnyi
- Xtep Sports Science & Engineering Laboratory, Xtep Co. Ltd., Xiamen 361000, China; (I.L.); (Z.X.); (Y.C.)
| | - Jiayu Wang
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China; (F.F.); (J.W.)
| | - Zhihao Xie
- Xtep Sports Science & Engineering Laboratory, Xtep Co. Ltd., Xiamen 361000, China; (I.L.); (Z.X.); (Y.C.)
| | - Gusztáv Fekete
- Savaria Institute of Technology, Eötvös Loránd University, 9700 Szombathely, Hungary;
| | - Yuhui Cai
- Xtep Sports Science & Engineering Laboratory, Xtep Co. Ltd., Xiamen 361000, China; (I.L.); (Z.X.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yaodong Gu
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China; (F.F.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-574-87600208
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20
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Charles JP, Grant B, D'Août K, Bates KT. Foot anatomy, walking energetics, and the evolution of human bipedalism. J Hum Evol 2021; 156:103014. [PMID: 34023575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2021.103014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Interspecies differences in locomotor efficiency have been extensively researched, but within-species variation in the metabolic cost of walking and its underlying causes have received much less attention. This is somewhat surprising given the importance of walking energetics to natural selection, and the fact that the mechanical efficiency of striding bipedalism in modern humans is thought to be related in some part to the unique morphology of the human foot. Previous studies of human running have linked specific anatomical traits in the foot to variations in locomotor energetics to provide insight into form-function relationships in human evolution. However, such studies are relatively rare, particularly for walking. In this study, relationships between a range of functional musculoskeletal traits in the human lower limb and the energetics of walking over compliant and noncompliant substrates are examined, with particular focus on the lower limb and foot. Twenty-nine young, healthy individuals walked across three surfaces-a noncompliant laboratory floor, and compliant 6 cm and 13 cm thick foams-at self-selected speeds while oxygen consumption was measured, from which the metabolic cost of transport was calculated. Lower limb lengths, calcaneus lengths, foot shape indices, and maximum isometric plantarflexion torques were also measured and subsequently tested for relationships with metabolic cost over these surfaces using linear regression. It was found that metabolic cost varied considerably between individuals within and across substrate types, but this variation was not statistically related to or explained by variations in musculoskeletal parameters considered to be adaptively important to efficient bipedal locomotion. This therefore provides no supportive evidence that variations in these gross anatomical parameters confer significant advantages to the efficiency of walking, and therefore suggest caution in the use of similar metrics to infer differences in walking energetics in closely related fossil species.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Charles
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course & Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK.
| | - Barbara Grant
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course & Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Kristiaan D'Août
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course & Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Karl T Bates
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course & Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK
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21
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Shorter heels are linked with greater elastic energy storage in the Achilles tendon. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9360. [PMID: 33931686 PMCID: PMC8087768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88774-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research suggests that the moment arm of the m. triceps surae tendon (i.e., Achilles tendon), is positively correlated with the energetic cost of running. This relationship is derived from a model which predicts that shorter ankle moment arms place larger loads on the Achilles tendon, which should result in a greater amount of elastic energy storage and return. However, previous research has not empirically tested this assumed relationship. We test this hypothesis using an inverse dynamics approach in human subjects (n = 24) at speeds ranging from walking to sprinting. The spring function of the Achilles tendon was evaluated using specific net work, a metric of mechanical energy production versus absorption at a limb joint. We also combined kinematic and morphological data to directly estimate tendon stress and elastic energy storage. We find that moment arm length significantly determines the spring-like behavior of the Achilles tendon, as well as estimates of mass-specific tendon stress and elastic energy storage at running and sprinting speeds. Our results provide support for the relationship between short Achilles tendon moment arms and increased elastic energy storage, providing an empirical mechanical rationale for previous studies demonstrating a relationship between calcaneal length and running economy. We also demonstrate that speed and kinematics moderate tendon performance, suggesting a complex relationship between lower limb geometry and foot strike pattern.
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22
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Harper CM, Ruff CB, Sylvester AD. Scaling and relative size of the human, nonhuman ape, and baboon calcaneus. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:100-122. [PMID: 33843151 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Among human and nonhuman apes, calcaneal morphology exhibits significant variation that has been related to locomotor behavior. Due to its role in weight-bearing, however, both body size and locomotion may impact calcaneal morphology. Determining how calcaneal morphologies vary as a function of body size is thus vital to understanding calcaneal functional adaptation. Here, we study calcaneus allometry and relative size in humans (n = 120) and nonhuman primates (n = 278), analyzing these relationships in light of known locomotor behaviors. Twelve linear measures and three articular facet surface areas were collected on calcaneus surface models. Body mass was estimated using femoral head superoinferior breadth. Relationships between calcaneal dimensions and estimated body mass were analyzed across the sample using phylogenetic least squares regression analyses (PGLS). Differences between humans and pooled nonhuman primates were tested using RMA ANCOVAs. Among (and within) genera residual differences from both PGLS regressions and isometry were analyzed using ANOVAs with post hoc multiple comparison tests. The relationships between all but two calcaneus dimensions and estimated body mass exhibit phylogenetic signal at the smallest taxonomic scale. This signal disappears when reanalyzed at the genus level. Calcaneal morphology varies relative to both body size and locomotor behavior. Humans have larger calcanei for estimated body mass relative to nonhuman primates as a potential adaptation for bipedalism. More terrestrial taxa exhibit longer calcaneal tubers for body mass, increasing the triceps surae lever arm. Among nonhuman great apes, more arboreal taxa have larger cuboid facet surface areas for body mass, increasing calcaneocuboid mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Harper
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Christopher B Ruff
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam D Sylvester
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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23
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Wade FE, Hickox LJ, Lewis GS, Horne A, Aynardi MC, Juliano PJ, Aydogan U, Piazza SJ. Achilles tendon moment arm changes with total ankle arthroplasty. J Orthop Res 2021; 39:572-579. [PMID: 33222251 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Prior research on total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has focused on improvements in pain and function following the surgical treatment of ankle arthritis, but its effect on ankle joint mechanics has received relatively little attention. The plantarflexion moment arm of the Achilles tendon is a critical determinant of ankle function with the potential to be altered by TAA. Here we investigate the effect of TAA on Achilles tendon moment arm assessed using two methods. Standing sagittal-plane radiographs were obtained for ten patients presurgery and postsurgery, from which anterior-posterior distance between the posterior calcaneus and the center of the talar dome was measured. Ultrasound imaging and three-dimensional (3D) motion capture were used to obtain moment arm pre- and post-TAA. The absolute changes in moment arm pre- to post-TAA were significantly different from zero for both methods (9.6 mm from ultrasound and 4.6% of the calcaneus length from radiographs). Only 46% of the variance in postoperative 3D Achilles tendon moment arm was explained by the preoperative value (r2 = 0.460; p = .031), while pre- and post-TAA values from radiographs were not correlated (r2 = 0.192, p = .206). While we did not find significant mean differences in Achilles tendon moment arm between pre- and post-TAA, we did find absolute changes in 3D moment arm that were significantly different from zero and these changes were partially explained by a change in location of the talar dome as indicated by measurements from radiographs (r2 = 0.497, p = .023).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca E Wade
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lauren J Hickox
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gregory S Lewis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrea Horne
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael C Aynardi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul J Juliano
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Umur Aydogan
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephen J Piazza
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Muniz-Pardos B, Sutehall S, Angeloudis K, Guppy FM, Bosch A, Pitsiladis Y. Recent Improvements in Marathon Run Times Are Likely Technological, Not Physiological. Sports Med 2021; 51:371-378. [PMID: 33442838 PMCID: PMC7805427 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01420-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Every women’s and men’s world records from 5 km to the marathon has been broken since the introduction of carbon fibre plate (CFP) shoes in 2016. This step-wise increase in performance coincides with recent advancements in shoe technology that increase the elastic properties of the shoe thereby reducing the energy cost of running. The latest CFP shoes are acknowledged to increase running economy by more than 4%, corresponding to a greater than 2% improvement in performance/run time. The recently modified rules governing competition shoes for elite athletes, announced by World Athletics, that includes sole thickness must not exceed 40 mm and must not contain more than one rigid embedded plate, appear contrary to the true essence and credibility of sport as access to this performance-defining technology becomes the primary differentiator of sporting performance in elite athletes. This is a particular problem in sports such as athletics where the primary sponsor of the athlete is very often a footwear manufacturing company. The postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics provides a unique opportunity for reflection by the world of sport and time to commission an independent review to evaluate the impact of technology on the integrity of sporting competition. A potential solution to solve this issue can involve the reduction of the stack height of a shoe to 20 mm. This simple and practical solution would prevent shoe technology from having too large an impact on the energy cost of running and, therefore, determining the performance outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borja Muniz-Pardos
- GENUD Research Group, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Department of Physiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Shaun Sutehall
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Fergus M Guppy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.,Centre for Stress and Age-Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Andrew Bosch
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yannis Pitsiladis
- Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, UK. .,International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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25
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Kovács B, Kóbor I, Sebestyén Ö, Tihanyi J. Longer Achilles tendon moment arm results in better running economy. Physiol Int 2021; 107:527-541. [PMID: 33410770 DOI: 10.1556/2060.2020.10000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Based on the current literature, the link between Achilles tendon moment arm length and running economy is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further investigate the connection between Achilles tendon moment arm and running economy and the influence of Achilles tendon moment arm on the function of the plantarflexor muscle-tendon unit during running.Ten male competitive marathon runners volunteered for this study. The participants ran on a treadmill at two running speeds: 3 and 3.5 m s-1. During running the oxygen consumption, lower leg kinematics, electrical activity of plantar flexor muscles, and fascicle behavior of the lateral gastrocnemius were measured simultaneously. On the second occasion, an MRI scan of the right leg was taken and used to estimate the Achilles tendon moment arm length.There was a negative correlation between running economy and the body height normalized moment arm length at both selected speeds (r = -0.68, P = 0.014 and r = -0.70, P = 0.01). In addition, Achilles tendon moment arm length correlated with the amplitude of the ankle flexion at both speeds (r = -0.59, P = 0.03 and r = -0.60, P = 0.03) and with the electrical activity of the medial gastrocnemius muscle at 3 m s-1 speed (r = -0.62, P = 0.02). Our finding supports the concept that a longer moment arm could be beneficial for distance runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kovács
- 1Department of Kinesiology, University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
| | - I Kóbor
- 2Semmelweis University, MR Research Centre, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ö Sebestyén
- 1Department of Kinesiology, University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
| | - J Tihanyi
- 1Department of Kinesiology, University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
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Suga T, Terada M, Tanaka T, Miyake Y, Ueno H, Otsuka M, Nagano A, Isaka T. Calcaneus height is a key morphological factor of sprint performance in sprinters. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15425. [PMID: 32963292 PMCID: PMC7509784 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72388-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the relationships between the foot bone morphologies and sprint performance in sprinters. Foot images in 56 male sprinters obtained using magnetic resonance imaging. The relative lengths of the forefoot bones of the big and second toes, which were calculated as total lengths of the forefoot bones for each toe normalized to the foot length, correlated significantly with personal best 100-m sprint time (r = − 0.293 and − 0.459, both Ps < 0.05). The relative lengths of the rearfoot talus and calcaneus normalized to the foot length also correlated significantly with the sprint performance (r = − 0.378 and − 0.496, both Ps < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative height of the calcaneus, but not the talus, normalized to body height correlated significantly with sprint performance (r = − 0.690, P < 0.001). Additionally, the relative calcaneus height correlated significantly with the foot arch height index (r = 0.420, P = 0.001), and the foot arch height index correlated significantly with sprint performance (r = − 0.517, P < 0.001). These findings suggest that the taller calcaneus may be a key morphological factor for achieving superior sprint performance, potentially via modeling the longer forefoot and rearfoot bones and functional foot morphology in sprinters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Suga
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan.
| | - Msafumi Terada
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tanaka
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Yuto Miyake
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ueno
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan.,Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Otsuka
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Akinori Nagano
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Tadao Isaka
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
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Harper CM, Ruff CB, Sylvester AD. Gorilla calcaneal morphological variation and ecological divergence. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 174:49-65. [PMID: 32871028 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primate foot has been extensively investigated because of its role in weight-bearing; however, the calcaneus has been relatively understudied. Here we examine entire gorilla calcaneal external shape to understand its relationship with locomotor behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS Calcanei of Gorilla gorilla gorilla (n = 43), Gorilla beringei graueri (n = 20), and Gorilla beringei beringei (n = 15) were surface or micro-CT scanned. External shape was analyzed through a three-dimensional geometric morphometric sliding semilandmark analysis. Semilandmarks were slid relative to an updated Procrustes average in order to minimize the bending energy of the thin plate spline interpolation function. Shape variation was summarized using principal components analysis of shape coordinates. Procrustes distances between taxa averages were calculated and resampling statistics run to test pairwise differences. Linear measures were collected and regressed against estimated body mass. RESULTS All three taxa exhibit statistically different morphologies (p < .001 for pairwise comparisons). G. g. gorilla demonstrates an anteroposteriorly elongated calcaneus with a deeper cuboid pivot region and mediolaterally flatter posterior talar facet. G. b. beringei possesses the flattest cuboid and most medially-angled posterior talar facets. G. b. graueri demonstrates intermediate articular facet morphology, a medially-angled tuberosity, and an elongated peroneal trochlea. DISCUSSION Articular facet differences separate gorillas along a locomotor gradient. G. g. gorilla is adapted for arboreality with greater joint mobility, while G. b. beringei is adapted for more stereotypical loads associated with terrestriality. G. b. graueri's unique posterolateral morphology may be due to a secondary transition to greater arboreality from a more terrestrial ancestor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Harper
- Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher B Ruff
- Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam D Sylvester
- Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Rib cage anatomy in Homo erectus suggests a recent evolutionary origin of modern human body shape. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:1178-1187. [PMID: 32632258 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1240-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The tall and narrow body shape of anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens) evolved via changes in the thorax, pelvis and limbs. It is debated, however, whether these modifications first evolved together in African Homo erectus, or whether H. erectus had a more primitive body shape that was distinct from both the more ape-like Australopithecus species and H. sapiens. Here we present the first quantitative three-dimensional reconstruction of the thorax of the juvenile H. erectus skeleton, KNM-WT 15000, from Nariokotome, Kenya, along with its estimated adult rib cage, for comparison with H. sapiens and the Kebara 2 Neanderthal. Our three-dimensional reconstruction demonstrates a short, mediolaterally wide and anteroposteriorly deep thorax in KNM-WT 15000 that differs considerably from the much shallower thorax of H. sapiens, pointing to a recent evolutionary origin of fully modern human body shape. The large respiratory capacity of KNM-WT 15000 is compatible with the relatively stocky, more primitive, body shape of H. erectus.
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29
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Reconstructing Denisovan Anatomy Using DNA Methylation Maps. Cell 2020; 179:180-192.e10. [PMID: 31539495 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Denisovans are an extinct group of humans whose morphology remains unknown. Here, we present a method for reconstructing skeletal morphology using DNA methylation patterns. Our method is based on linking unidirectional methylation changes to loss-of-function phenotypes. We tested performance by reconstructing Neanderthal and chimpanzee skeletal morphologies and obtained >85% precision in identifying divergent traits. We then applied this method to the Denisovan and offer a putative morphological profile. We suggest that Denisovans likely shared with Neanderthals traits such as an elongated face and a wide pelvis. We also identify Denisovan-derived changes, such as an increased dental arch and lateral cranial expansion. Our predictions match the only morphologically informative Denisovan bone to date, as well as the Xuchang skull, which was suggested by some to be a Denisovan. We conclude that DNA methylation can be used to reconstruct anatomical features, including some that do not survive in the fossil record.
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Bohm S, Mersmann F, Santuz A, Arampatzis A. The force-length-velocity potential of the human soleus muscle is related to the energetic cost of running. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20192560. [PMID: 31847774 PMCID: PMC6939913 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the force-length-velocity relationships, the muscle force potential is determined by the operating length and velocity, which affects the energetic cost of contraction. During running, the human soleus muscle produces mechanical work through active shortening and provides the majority of propulsion. The trade-off between work production and alterations of the force-length and force-velocity potentials (i.e. fraction of maximum force according to the force-length-velocity curves) might mediate the energetic cost of running. By mapping the operating length and velocity of the soleus fascicles onto the experimentally assessed force-length and force-velocity curves, we investigated the association between the energetic cost and the force-length-velocity potentials during running. The fascicles operated close to optimal length (0.90 ± 0.10 L0) with moderate velocity (0.118 ± 0.039 Vmax [maximum shortening velocity]) and, thus, with a force-length potential of 0.92 ± 0.07 and a force-velocity potential of 0.63 ± 0.09. The overall force-length-velocity potential was inversely related (r = -0.52, p = 0.02) to the energetic cost, mainly determined by a reduced shortening velocity. Lower shortening velocity was largely explained (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.928) by greater tendon gearing, shorter Achilles tendon lever arm, greater muscle belly gearing and smaller ankle angle velocity. Here, we provide the first experimental evidence that lower shortening velocities of the soleus muscle improve running economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Bohm
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessandro Santuz
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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31
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Sorrentino R, Stephens NB, Carlson KJ, Figus C, Fiorenza L, Frost S, Harcourt-Smith W, Parr W, Saers J, Turley K, Wroe S, Belcastro MG, Ryan TM, Benazzi S. The influence of mobility strategy on the modern human talus. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 171:456-469. [PMID: 31825095 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primate talus is known to have a shape that varies according to differences in locomotion and substrate use. While the modern human talus is morphologically specialized for bipedal walking, relatively little is known on how its morphology varies in relation to cultural and environmental differences across time. Here we compare tali of modern human populations with different subsistence economies and lifestyles to explore how cultural practices and environmental factors influence external talar shape. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample consists of digital models of 142 tali from 11 archaeological and post-industrial modern human groups. Talar morphology was investigated through 3D (semi)landmark based geometric morphometric methods. RESULTS Our results show distinct differences between highly mobile hunter-gatherers and more sedentary groups belonging to a mixed post-agricultural/industrial background. Hunter-gatherers exhibit a more "flexible" talar shape, everted posture, and a more robust and medially oriented talar neck/head, which we interpret as reflecting long-distance walking strictly performed barefoot, or wearing minimalistic footwear, along uneven ground. The talus of the post-industrial population exhibits a "stable" profile, neutral posture, and a less robust and orthogonally oriented talar neck/head, which we interpret as a consequence of sedentary lifestyle and use of stiff footwear. DISCUSSION We suggest that talar morphological variation is related to the adoption of constraining footwear in post-industrial society, which reduces ankle range of motion. This contrasts with hunter-gatherers, where talar shape shows a more flexible profile, likely resulting from a lack of footwear while traversing uneven terrain. We conclude that modern human tali vary with differences in locomotor and cultural behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Sorrentino
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Nicholas B Stephens
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristian J Carlson
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Palaeosciences Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Carla Figus
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Luca Fiorenza
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Earth Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Frost
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - William Harcourt-Smith
- Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York.,New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, New York.,Department of Anthropology, Lehman College, New York, New York.,Division of Paleontology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York
| | - William Parr
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Prince of Wales Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jaap Saers
- PAVE Research Group, Department of Archaeology & Anthropology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kevin Turley
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria G Belcastro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,ADES, UMR 7268 CNRS/Aix-Marseille Université/EFS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille Cedex 15, France
| | - Timothy M Ryan
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania
| | - Stefano Benazzi
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy.,Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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32
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Mei Q, Gu Y, Xiang L, Yu P, Gao Z, Shim V, Fernandez J. Foot shape and plantar pressure relationships in shod and barefoot populations. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2019; 19:1211-1224. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-019-01255-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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33
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Disease transmission and introgression can explain the long-lasting contact zone of modern humans and Neanderthals. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5003. [PMID: 31676766 PMCID: PMC6825168 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12862-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neanderthals and modern humans both occupied the Levant for tens of thousands of years prior to the spread of modern humans into the rest of Eurasia and their replacement of the Neanderthals. That the inter-species boundary remained geographically localized for so long is a puzzle, particularly in light of the rapidity of its subsequent movement. Here, we propose that infectious-disease dynamics can explain the localization and persistence of the inter-species boundary. We further propose, and support with dynamical-systems models, that introgression-based transmission of alleles related to the immune system would have gradually diminished this barrier to pervasive inter-species interaction, leading to the eventual release of the inter-species boundary from its geographic localization. Asymmetries between the species in the characteristics of their associated ‘pathogen packages’ could have generated feedback that allowed modern humans to overcome disease burden earlier than Neanderthals, giving them an advantage in their subsequent spread into Eurasia. Modern humans and Neanderthals coexisted in the Levant for tens of thousands of years before modern humans spread and replaced Neanderthals. Here, Greenbaum et al. develop a model showing that transmission of disease and genes can explain the maintenance and then collapse of this contact zone.
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Pablos A, Gómez-Olivencia A, Maureille B, Holliday TW, Madelaine S, Trinkaus E, Couture-Veschambre C. Neandertal foot remains from Regourdou 1 (Montignac-sur-Vézère, Dordogne, France). J Hum Evol 2019; 128:17-44. [PMID: 30825980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Regourdou is a well-known Middle Paleolithic site which has yielded the fossil remains of a minimum of two Neandertal individuals. The first individual (Regourdou 1) is represented by a partial skeleton while the second one is represented by a calcaneus. The foot remains of Regourdou 1 have been used in a number of comparative studies, but to date a full description and comparison of all the foot remains from the Regourdou 1 Neandertal, coming from the old excavations and from the recent reanalysis of the faunal remains, does not exist. Here, we describe and comparatively assess the Regourdou 1 tarsals, metatarsals and phalanges. They display traits observed in other Neandertal feet, which are different from some traits of the Sima de los Huesos (Atapuerca) hominins and of Middle Paleolithic, Upper Paleolithic and recent modern humans. These Neandertal features are: a rectangular talar trochlea with a large lateral malleolar facet, a broad talar head, a broad calcaneus with a projecting sustentaculum tali, a wide and wedged navicular with a projecting medial tubercle, large and wide bases of the lateral metatarsals, and mediolaterally expanded and robust phalanges that also show hallux valgus in a strongly built hallux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Pablos
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre La Evolución Humana-CENIEH, Burgos, Spain; Área de Antropología Física, Departamento de Ciencias de La Vida, Universidad de Alcalá-UAH, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Investigación sobre Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Asier Gómez-Olivencia
- Departamento de Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Spain; Équipe de Paléontologie Humaine, UMR 7194, CNRS, Département de Préhistoire, Muséum National d'Histoire naturelle, Musée de l'Homme, 17, Place Du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris, France; Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Investigación sobre Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno Maureille
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Ministère de La Culture et de la Communication, PACEA UMR 5199, Allée Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, FR-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Trenton W Holliday
- Department of Anthropology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA; Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Stéphane Madelaine
- Musée national de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, France; Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Ministère de La Culture et de la Communication, PACEA UMR 5199, Allée Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, FR-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Erik Trinkaus
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Christine Couture-Veschambre
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Ministère de La Culture et de la Communication, PACEA UMR 5199, Allée Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, FR-33615 Pessac, France
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Wessbecher LS, Ahn AN. Lower leg morphology in runners: forefoot strikers have longer heels but not bigger muscles than rearfoot strikers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:222/4/jeb187815. [PMID: 30814277 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.187815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Foot strike pattern used during running may relate to lower leg morphology. We tested the hypotheses that forefoot strike (FFS) runners have longer plantarflexor moment arms (r) and larger plantarflexor muscles than rearfoot strike (RFS) runners. FFS runners had 17% longer r than RFS runners, but all runners had similarly sized medial and lateral gastrocnemius (MG and LG) muscles. Because muscle size also depends on activation pattern ( Ahn et al., 2011), we compared MG:LG activation bias during walking in 24 runners and 23 sedentary subjects. Half of all subjects activated their MG and LG muscles equally ('unbiased') while walking, while the other half activated their MG more strongly than their LG muscles ('MG-biased'). Unbiased sedentary subjects had 16-23% smaller MG muscles compared with MG-biased sedentary subjects, unbiased runners and MG-biased runners. Muscle contraction dynamics during FFS running may balance the effects of longer plantarflexor moment arms in determining MG and LG muscle size.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Wessbecher
- Keck Science Department, Scripps College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - A N Ahn
- Department of Biology, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
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36
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DeSilva J, McNutt E, Benoit J, Zipfel B. One small step: A review of Plio‐Pleistocene hominin foot evolution. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 168 Suppl 67:63-140. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy DeSilva
- Department of AnthropologyDartmouth College Hanover New Hampshire
- Evolutionary Studies Institute and School of GeosciencesUniversity of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Ellison McNutt
- Department of AnthropologyDartmouth College Hanover New Hampshire
| | - Julien Benoit
- Evolutionary Studies Institute and School of GeosciencesUniversity of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Bernhard Zipfel
- Evolutionary Studies Institute and School of GeosciencesUniversity of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
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37
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Hagan KL, Hullfish TJ, Casey E, Baxter JR. Tendon Structure Quantified using Ultrasound Imaging Differs Based on Location and Training Type. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 125:1743-1748. [PMID: 30260751 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00723.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Achilles tendinopathy is ten-times more common amongst running athletes compared to age-matched peers. Load induced tendon remodeling and its progression in an at-risk population of developing symptomatic tendinopathy is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to prospectively characterize Achilles and patellar tendon structure in competitive collegiate distance runners over different competitive seasons using quantitative ultrasound imaging. Twenty-two collegiate cross country runners and eleven controls were examined for this study. Ultrasound images of bilateral Achilles and patellar tendons were obtained near the start and end of the collegiate cross country season and the conclusion outdoor track season. Collagen organization, mean echogenicity, tendon thickness, and neovascularity were determined using well established image processing techniques. Achilles tendon collagen was less aligned in runners compared to controls (28% greater) but improved slightly (7% decrease) after the completion of the track season. Conversely, patellar tendons in runners were similar to control tendon throughout the cross-country season but underwent collagen alignment (17% decrease) and tendon hypertrophy (21% increase). Our findings indicate that Achilles tendon structure in trained runners differ structurally to control tendons but is stable throughout training while patellar tendon structure changes in response to the transition in training volume between cross country and track seasons. These findings expand upon prior reports that some degree of tendon remodeling may act as a protective adaptation for sport specific loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenton L Hagan
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Todd J Hullfish
- Orthopadeic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ellen Casey
- Department of Physiatry, Hospital for Special Surgery, United States
| | - Josh R Baxter
- Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, United States
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38
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Hoover KC, Berbesque JC. Early Holocene morphological variation in hunter-gatherer hands and feet. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5564. [PMID: 30202658 PMCID: PMC6129140 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Windover mortuary pond dates to the Early Archaic period (6,800–5,200 years ago) and constitutes one of the earliest archaeological sites with intact and well-preserved human remains in North America. Unlike many prehistoric egalitarian hunter-gatherers, the Windover people may not have practiced a sex-based division of labor; rather, they may have shared the load. We explore how mobility and subsistence, as reconstructed from archaeological data, influenced hand and foot bone morphology at Windover. Methods We took length and width measurements on four carpal bones, four tarsal bones, and load-bearing tarsal areas (calcaneus load arm, trochlea of the talus). We analyzed lateralization using side differences in raw length and width measurements. For other hypothesis testing, we used log transformed length-width ratios to mitigate the confounding effects of sexual dimorphism and trait size variation; we tested between-sex differences in weight-bearing (rear foot) and shock-absorbing (mid foot) tarsal bones and between-sex differences in carpal bones. Results We identified no significant between-sex differences in rear and midfoot areas, suggesting similar biomechanical stresses. We identified no significant between-sex differences in carpal bones but the test was under-powered due to small sample sizes. Finally, despite widespread behavioral evidence on contemporary populations for human hand and foot lateralization, we found no evidence of either handedness or footedness. Discussion The lack evidence for footedness was expected due its minimal impact on walking gait but the lack of evidence for handedness was surprising given that ethnographic studies have shown strong handedness in hunter-gatherers during tool and goods manufacture. The reconstructed activity patterns suggested both sexes engaged in heavy load carrying and a shared division of labor. Our results support previous findings—both sexes had stronger weight-bearing bones. Male shock-absorbing bones exhibited a trend towards greater relative width (suggesting greater comparative biomechanical stress) than females which may reflect the typical pattern of male hunter-gatherers engaging in walking greater distances at higher speeds than females. While there were no significant between-sex differences in carpal bones (supporting a shared work load model), females exhibited greater variation in index values, which may reflect a greater variety of and specialization in tasks compared to males. Because carpals and tarsals are so well-preserved at archaeological sites, we had surmised they might be useful proxies for activity in the absence of well-preserved long bones. Tarsals provide a stronger signal of past activity and may be useful in the absence of, or in addition to, preferred bones. Carpals, however, may not be useful as the effect size of biomechanical stress (in this study at least) is low and would require larger samples than may be possible at archaeological sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara C Hoover
- Department of Anthropology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, United States of America
| | - J Colette Berbesque
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary, Social and Inter-Disciplinary Anthropology, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
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The Calcaneal Crescent in Patients With and Without Plantar Fasciitis: An Ankle MRI Study. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2018; 211:1075-1082. [PMID: 30160979 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.17.19399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The bundled, crescent-shaped trabeculae within the calcaneal tuberosity-which we term and refer to here as the "calcaneal crescent"-may represent a structural adaption to the prevailing forces. Given Wolff law, we hypothesized that the calcaneal crescent would be more robust in patients with plantar fasciitis, a syndrome in part characterized by overload of the Achilles tendon-calcaneal crescent-plantar fascia system, than in patients without plantar fasciitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS MR images of 37 patients (27 women and 10 men; mean age ± SD, 51 ± 13 years; mean body mass index [BMI, weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters], 26.8 ± 6.3) referred for workup of foot or ankle pain were retrospectively evaluated by two blinded readers in this study. Patients were assigned to two groups: group A, which was composed of 15 subjects without clinical signs or MRI findings of Achilles tendon-calcaneal crescent-plantar fascia system abnormalities, or group B, which was composed of 22 patients with findings of plantar fasciitis. The thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the Achilles tendon, calcaneal crescent, and plantar fascia were measured on proton density (PD)-weighted MR images. The entire crescent volume was manually measured using OsiriX software on consecutive sagittal PD-weighted images. Additionally, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) as a surrogate marker for trabecular density and the mean thickness of the calcaneal crescent were determined on PD-weighted MR images. The groupwise difference in the morphologic measurements were evaluated using ANOVA with BMI as a covariate. Partial correlation was used to assess the relationships of measurements for the group with plantar fasciitis (group B). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) statistics were performed. RESULTS Patients with plantar fasciitis had a greater CSA and volume of the calcaneal crescent and had lower CNR (i.e., denser trabeculae) than those without Achilles tendon-calcaneal crescent-plantar fascia system abnormalities (CSA, 100.2 vs 73.7 mm2, p = 0.019; volume, 3.06 vs 1.99 cm3, p = 0.006; CNR, -28.40 vs -38.10, p = 0.009). Interreader agreement was excellent (ICC = 0.85-0.99). CONCLUSION In patients with plantar fasciitis, the calcaneal crescent is enlarged compared with those without abnormalities of the Achilles tendon-calcaneal crescent-plantar fascia system. An enlarged and trabeculae-rich calcaneal crescent may potentially indicate that abnormally increased forces are being exerted onto the Achilles tendon-calcaneal crescent-plantar fascia system.
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Comparison of running and cycling economy in runners, cyclists, and triathletes. Eur J Appl Physiol 2018; 118:1331-1338. [PMID: 29663075 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-018-3865-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Exercise economy is one of the main physiological factors determining performance in endurance sports. Running economy (RE) can be improved with running-specific training, while the improvement of cycling economy (CE) with cycling-specific training is controversial. We investigated whether exercise economy reflects sport-specific skills/adaptations or is determined by overall physiological factors. METHODS We compared RE and CE in 10 runners, 9 cyclists and 9 triathletes for running at 12 km/h and cycling at 200 W. Gross rates of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were collected and used to calculate gross metabolic rate in watts for both running and cycling. RESULTS Runners had better RE than cyclists (917 ± 107 W vs. 1111 ± 159 W) (p < 0.01). Triathletes had intermediate RE values (1004 ± 98 W) not different from runners or cyclists. CE was not different (p = 0.20) between the three groups (runners: 945 ± 60 W; cyclists: 982 ± 44 W; triathletes: 979 ± 54 W). CONCLUSION RE can be enhanced with running-specific training, but CE is independent of cycling-specific training.
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Aibast H, Okutoyi P, Sigei T, Adero W, Chemjor D, Ongaro N, Fuku N, Konstabel K, Clark C, Lieberman DE, Pitsiladis Y. Foot Structure and Function in Habitually Barefoot and Shod Adolescents in Kenya. Curr Sports Med Rep 2018; 16:448-458. [PMID: 29135646 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Habitually barefoot (HB) children from the Kalenjin tribe of Kenya are known for their high physical activity levels. To date, there has been no comprehensive assessment of foot structure and function in these highly active and HB children/adolescents and link with overuse injuries. PURPOSE The aim of this research is to assess foot structure, foot function, injury and physical activity levels in Kenyan children and adolescents who are HB compared with those who were habitually shod (HS). METHODS Foot structure, function, injury prevalence, and physical activity levels were studied using two studies with equal numbers of HS and HB. HS and HB children and adolescents were matched for age, sex, and body mass. Foot arch characteristics, foot strength, and lower-limb injury prevalence were investigated in Study 1 (n = 76). Heel bone stiffness, Achilles tendon moment arm length and physical activity levels in Study 2 (n=62). Foot muscle strength was measured using a strength device TKK 3360 and heel bone stiffness by bone ultrasonometry. The moment arm length of the Achilles tendon was estimated from photographs and physical activity was assessed using questionnaires and accelerometers. RESULTS Foot shortening strength was greater in HB (4.8 ± 1.9 kg vs 3.5 ± 1.8 kg, P < 0.01). Navicular drop was greater in HB (0.53 ± 0.32 cm vs 0.39 ± 0.19 cm, P < 0.05). Calcaneus stiffness index was greater (right 113.5 ± 17.1 vs 100.5 ± 116.8, P < 0.01 left 109.8 ± 15.7 vs 101.7 ± 18.7, P < 0.05) and Achilles tendon moment arm shorter in HB (right, 3.4 ± 0.4 vs 3.6 ± 0.4 cm, P < 0.05; left, 3.4 ± 0.5 vs 3.7 ± 0.4 cm, P < 0.01). Lower-limb injury prevalence was 8% in HB and 61% in HS. HB subjects spent more time engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (60 ± 26 min·d vs 31 ± 13 min·d; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Significant differences observed in foot parameters, injury prevalence and general foot health between HB and HS suggest that footwear conditions may impact on foot structure and function and general foot health. HB children and adolescents spent more time engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity and less time sedentary than HS children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herje Aibast
- 1Institute of Sports Biology and Physiotherapy, Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, ESTONIA; 2Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Moi University, Eldoret, KENYA; 3Department of Statistics and Computer Science, Moi University, Eldoret, KENYA; 4Graduated School of Health and Sport Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, JAPAN; 5Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, ESTONIA; 6Department of Chronic Diseases, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, ESTONIA; 7Department of Human Science and Public Health, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UNITED KINGDOM; 8Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; 9Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, UNITED KINGDOM; and 10Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, ITALY
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Abstract
The influence of running speed and sex on running economy is unclear and may have been confounded by measurements of oxygen cost that do not account for known differences in substrate metabolism, across a limited range of speeds, and differences in performance standard. Therefore, this study assessed the energy cost of running over a wide range of speeds in high-level and recreational runners to investigate the effect of speed (in absolute and relative terms) and sex (men vs women of equivalent performance standard) on running economy. To determine the energy cost (kcal · kg−1 · km−1) of submaximal running, speed at lactate turn point (sLTP), and maximal rate of oxygen uptake, 92 healthy runners (high-level men, n = 14; high-level women, n = 10; recreational men, n = 35; recreational women, n = 33) completed a discontinuous incremental treadmill test. There were no sex-specific differences in the energy cost of running for the recreational or high-level runners when compared at absolute or relative running speeds (P > .05). The absolute and relative speed–energy cost relationships for the high-level runners demonstrated a curvilinear U shape with a nadir reflecting the most economical speed at 13 km/h or 70% sLTP. The high-level runners were more economical than the recreational runners at all absolute and relative running speeds (P < .05). These findings demonstrate that there is an optimal speed for economical running, there is no sex-specific difference, and high-level endurance runners exhibit better running economy than recreational endurance runners.
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Abstract
Several recent investigations have linked running economy to heel length, with shorter heels being associated with less metabolic energy consumption. It has been hypothesized that shorter heels require larger plantar flexor muscle forces, thus increasing tendon energy storage and reducing metabolic cost. The goal of this study was to investigate this possible mechanism for metabolic cost reduction. Fifteen male subjects ran at 16 km⋅h-1 on a treadmill and subsequently on a force-plate instrumented runway. Measurements of oxygen consumption, kinematics, and ground reaction forces were collected. Correlational analyses were performed between oxygen consumption and anthropometric and kinetic variables associated with the ankle and foot. Correlations were also computed between kinetic variables (peak joint moment and peak tendon force) and heel length. Estimated peak Achilles tendon force normalized to body weight was found to be strongly correlated with heel length normalized to body height (r = -.751, p = .003). Neither heel length nor any other measured or calculated variable were correlated with oxygen consumption, however. Subjects with shorter heels experienced larger Achilles tendon forces, but these forces were not associated with reduced metabolic cost. No other anthropometric and kinetic variables considered explained the variance in metabolic cost across individuals.
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Webber JT, Raichlen DA. The role of plantigrady and heel-strike in the mechanics and energetics of human walking with implications for the evolution of the human foot. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 219:3729-3737. [PMID: 27903628 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.138610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Human bipedal locomotion is characterized by a habitual heel-strike (HS) plantigrade gait, yet the significance of walking foot-posture is not well understood. To date, researchers have not fully investigated the costs of non-heel-strike (NHS) walking. Therefore, we examined walking speed, walk-to-run transition speed, estimated locomotor costs (lower limb muscle volume activated during walking), impact transient (rapid increase in ground force at touchdown) and effective limb length (ELL) in subjects (n=14) who walked at self-selected speeds using HS and NHS gaits. HS walking increases ELL compared with NHS walking since the center of pressure translates anteriorly from heel touchdown to toe-off. NHS gaits led to decreased absolute walking speeds (P=0.012) and walk-to-run transition speeds (P=0.0025), and increased estimated locomotor energy costs (P<0.0001) compared with HS gaits. These differences lost significance after using the dynamic similarity hypothesis to account for the effects of foot landing posture on ELL. Thus, reduced locomotor costs and increased maximum walking speeds in HS gaits are linked to the increased ELL compared with NHS gaits. However, HS walking significantly increases impact transient values at all speeds (P<0.0001). These trade-offs may be key to understanding the functional benefits of HS walking. Given the current debate over the locomotor mechanics of early hominins and the range of foot landing postures used by nonhuman apes, we suggest the consistent use of HS gaits provides key locomotor advantages to striding bipeds and may have appeared early in hominin evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T Webber
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - David A Raichlen
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Raichlen DA, Alexander GE. Adaptive Capacity: An Evolutionary Neuroscience Model Linking Exercise, Cognition, and Brain Health. Trends Neurosci 2017; 40:408-421. [PMID: 28610948 PMCID: PMC5926798 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The field of cognitive neuroscience was transformed by the discovery that exercise induces neurogenesis in the adult brain, with the potential to improve brain health and stave off the effects of neurodegenerative disease. However, the basic mechanisms underlying exercise-brain connections are not well understood. We use an evolutionary neuroscience approach to develop the adaptive capacity model (ACM), detailing how and why physical activity improves brain function based on an energy-minimizing strategy. Building on studies showing a combined benefit of exercise and cognitive challenge to enhance neuroplasticity, our ACM addresses two fundamental questions: (i) what are the proximate and ultimate mechanisms underlying age-related brain atrophy, and (ii) how do lifestyle changes influence the trajectory of healthy and pathological aging?
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Raichlen
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, 1009 East South Campus Drive, Tucson AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Gene E Alexander
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Physiological Sciences Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs, and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
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Fletcher JR, MacIntosh BR. Running Economy from a Muscle Energetics Perspective. Front Physiol 2017; 8:433. [PMID: 28690549 PMCID: PMC5479897 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The economy of running has traditionally been quantified from the mass-specific oxygen uptake; however, because fuel substrate usage varies with exercise intensity, it is more accurate to express running economy in units of metabolic energy. Fundamentally, the understanding of the major factors that influence the energy cost of running (Erun) can be obtained with this approach. Erun is determined by the energy needed for skeletal muscle contraction. Here, we approach the study of Erun from that perspective. The amount of energy needed for skeletal muscle contraction is dependent on the force, duration, shortening, shortening velocity, and length of the muscle. These factors therefore dictate the energy cost of running. It is understood that some determinants of the energy cost of running are not trainable: environmental factors, surface characteristics, and certain anthropometric features. Other factors affecting Erun are altered by training: other anthropometric features, muscle and tendon properties, and running mechanics. Here, the key features that dictate the energy cost during distance running are reviewed in the context of skeletal muscle energetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared R. Fletcher
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of CalgaryCalgary, AB, Canada
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Sullivan AP, de Manuel M, Marques-Bonet T, Perry GH. An evolutionary medicine perspective on Neandertal extinction. J Hum Evol 2017. [PMID: 28622932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Eurasian sympatry of Neandertals and anatomically modern humans - beginning at least 45,000 years ago and possibly lasting for more than 5000 years - has sparked immense anthropological interest into the factors that potentially contributed to Neandertal extinction. Among many different hypotheses, the "differential pathogen resistance" extinction model posits that Neandertals were disproportionately affected by exposure to novel infectious diseases that were transmitted during the period of spatiotemporal sympatry with modern humans. Comparisons of new archaic hominin paleogenome sequences with modern human genomes have confirmed a history of genetic admixture - and thus direct contact - between humans and Neandertals. Analyses of these data have also shown that Neandertal nuclear genome genetic diversity was likely considerably lower than that of the Eurasian anatomically modern humans with whom they came into contact, perhaps leaving Neandertal innate immune systems relatively more susceptible to novel pathogens. In this study, we compared levels of genetic diversity in genes for which genetic variation is hypothesized to benefit pathogen defense among Neandertals and African, European, and Asian modern humans, using available exome sequencing data (three individuals, or six chromosomes, per population). We observed that Neandertals had only 31-39% as many nonsynonymous (amino acid changing) polymorphisms across 73 innate immune system genes compared to modern human populations. We also found that Neandertal genetic diversity was relatively low in an unbiased set of balancing selection candidate genes for primates, those genes with the highest 1% genetic diversity genome-wide in non-human hominoids (apes). In contrast, Neandertals had similar or higher levels of genetic diversity than humans in 12 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. Thus, while Neandertals may have been relatively more susceptible to some novel pathogens and differential pathogen resistance could be considered as one potential contributing factor in their extinction, the expectations of this model are not universally met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis P Sullivan
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Marc de Manuel
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC/UPF), Parque de Investigación Biomédica de Barcelona (PRBB), Barcelona, Catalonia 08003, Spain
| | - Tomas Marques-Bonet
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC/UPF), Parque de Investigación Biomédica de Barcelona (PRBB), Barcelona, Catalonia 08003, Spain; CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 4, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - George H Perry
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Laumets R, Viigipuu K, Mooses K, Mäestu J, Purge P, Pehme A, Kaasik P, Mooses M. Lower Leg Length is Associated with Running Economy in High Level Caucasian Distance Runners. J Hum Kinet 2017; 56:229-239. [PMID: 28469761 PMCID: PMC5384070 DOI: 10.1515/hukin-2017-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate lower limb anthropometric and composition variables related to running economy (RE) and running performance in a homogeneous group of high level European distance runners. RE at the speeds of 14, 16 and 18 km·h−1 (189 ± 12; 188 ± 11; 187 ± 11 O2 ml·kg−1·km−1) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) (67.3 ± 2.9 ml·kg−1·min−1) of 13 high level distance runners were determined on a motorised treadmill. Anthropometric variables and body composition were measured. The BMI was related to RE at the speed of 14 (r2 = 0.434; p = 0.014), 16 (r2 = 0.436; p = 0.014) and 18 km·h−1 (r2 = 0.389; p = 0.023). Lower leg length was negatively related to RE at the speed of 16 and showed such a tendency at the speed of 14 and 18 km·h−1. VO2max indicated a moderate relationship with RE at the speeds of 14, 16 and 18 km·h−1 (r2 = 0.372, p = 0.030; r2 = 0.350, p = 0.033; r2 = 0.376, p = 0.026, respectively) which was confirmed by subsequent partial correlation analysis. While lower leg length and the BMI presented a relationship with RE, none of the calculated body composition and anthropometric proportions were related to RE or performance. The relationship between RE and VO2max would confirm the notion that RE could be at least partly compensated by VO2max to achieve high performance results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rauno Laumets
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Karel Viigipuu
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kerli Mooses
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jarek Mäestu
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Priit Purge
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ando Pehme
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Priit Kaasik
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Martin Mooses
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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van Werkhoven H, Piazza SJ. Foot structure is correlated with performance in a single-joint jumping task. J Biomech 2017; 57:27-31. [PMID: 28385335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Variability in musculoskeletal structure has the potential to influence locomotor function. It has been shown, for example, that sprinters have smaller Achilles tendon moment arms and longer toes than non-sprinters, and toe length has been found to correlate with toe flexor work in running humans. These findings suggest that interindividual variation in human foot structure allows for function that is adapted to various motor tasks. The purpose of this study was to test for correlations between foot anthropometry and single-joint maximal-height jumping performance. Ten male subjects performed static jumps using only their ankles for propulsion. Several anthropometric measures were taken. Bivariate correlation analyses were performed between all anthropometric variables and the average jump height for each subject. Results showed that the best jumpers had longer lateral heel lengths (r=0.871; p=0.001) and longer toes (r=0.712; p=0.021). None of the other anthropometric variables (stature, mass, lower extremity lengths) measured were found to correlate significantly with jump height. A factor analysis was performed to investigate whether some underlying feature related to body stature could explain jumping performance. Taller subjects did not necessarily jump higher. Specific variations in foot structure, unrelated to other general stature measures, were associated with performance in this single-joint jumping task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman van Werkhoven
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA; Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Stephen J Piazza
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Eng., The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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FLORIO CS. MUSCLE FORCE MAGNITUDES IN THE HUMAN LEG FOR ISOMETRIC EXERCISES WITH VARIOUS RESULTANT FORCE DIRECTIONS AND JOINT ANGLES. J MECH MED BIOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219519416500834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Using a gradient-based numerical optimization routine, the force magnitudes required of 10 major sagittal plane leg muscles to create a constant magnitude isometric resultant force against a fixed surface at the toe directed anteriorly, posteriorly, superiorly, and inferiorly were quantitatively predicted for three sets of joint angles: a straight leg configuration, with the knee flexed, and with both the hip and knee flexed. Comparisons over the conditions studied for each individual system muscle found that the maximum variation occurred in knee and hip extensor forces (up to two orders of magnitude). Comparisons within the set of active muscles for each studied condition identified dominant muscles and muscle functions. All anteriorly-directed and posteriorly-directed resultants required a small number of muscles with common functions (mainly knee or hip extensors) and large force magnitudes (O(1000[Formula: see text]N)). In contrast, a large number of muscles, with wide-ranging synergistic and antagonistic functions, acting across multiple joints with relatively small magnitudes (O(100[Formula: see text]N)) were needed to create the superiorly-directed resultant with flexed hip and knee. With good correlation to experimentally measured trends in the interrelationships between leg joint angles and isometric forces, the systematic muscle force prediction and analysis presented in this work can be used to guide the design of targeted muscle strengthening exercises and study of muscle-specific injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. S. FLORIO
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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