Related Content
Search Google Scholar for:
|
|
Science 29 July 1994:
Vol. 265. no. 5172, pp. 651 - 653
DOI: 10.1126/science.8036513
|
|
Articles
Science, Vol 265, Issue 5172, 651-653
Copyright © 1994 by American Association for the Advancement of Science
Variable gearing during locomotion in the human musculoskeletal system
DR Carrier,
NC Heglund,
and
KD Earls
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912.
Human feet and toes provide a mechanism for changing the gear ratio of the ankle extensor muscles during a running step. A variable gear ratio could enhance muscle performance during constant-speed running by applying a more effective prestretch during landing, while maintaining the muscles near the high-efficiency or high-power portion of the force-velocity curve during takeoff. Furthermore, during acceleration, variable gearing may allow muscle contractile properties to remain optimized despite rapid changes in running speed. Forceplate and kinematic analyses of running steps show low gear ratios at touchdown that increase throughout the contact phase.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
- The bounce of the body in hopping, running and trotting: different machines with the same motor.
- G. A. Cavagna and M. A. Legramandi (2009)
Proc R Soc B
276, 4279-4285
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
- Built for speed: musculoskeletal structure and sprinting ability.
- S. S. M. Lee and S. J. Piazza (2009)
J. Exp. Biol.
212, 3700-3707
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
- Exploring the mechanical basis for acceleration: pelvic limb locomotor function during accelerations in racing greyhounds (Canis familiaris).
- S. B. Williams, J. R. Usherwood, K. Jespers, A. J. Channon, and A. M. Wilson (2009)
J. Exp. Biol.
212, 550-565
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
- Running biomechanics: shorter heels, better economy.
- M. N. Scholz, M. F. Bobbert, A. J. van Soest, J. R. Clark, and J. van Heerden (2008)
J. Exp. Biol.
211, 3266-3271
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
- Mechanics of limb bone loading during terrestrial locomotion in river cooter turtles (Pseudemys concinna).
- M. T. Butcher and R. W. Blob (2008)
J. Exp. Biol.
211, 1187-1202
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
- Variable gearing in pennate muscles.
- E. Azizi, E. L. Brainerd, and T. J. Roberts (2008)
PNAS
105, 1745-1750
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
- Unsteady locomotion: integrating muscle function with whole body dynamics and neuromuscular control.
- A. A. Biewener and M. A. Daley (2007)
J. Exp. Biol.
210, 2949-2960
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
- Mechanical and morphological properties of different muscle-tendon units in the lower extremity and running mechanics: effect of aging and physical activity.
- K. Karamanidis and A. Arampatzis (2005)
J. Exp. Biol.
208, 3907-3923
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
- Sources of mechanical power for uphill running in humans.
- T. J. Roberts and R. A. Belliveau (2005)
J. Exp. Biol.
208, 1963-1970
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
- Adjusting muscle function to demand: joint work during acceleration in wild turkeys.
- T. J. Roberts and J. A. Scales (2004)
J. Exp. Biol.
207, 4165-4174
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
- Probing the limits to muscle-powered accelerations: lessons from jumping bullfrogs.
- T. J. Roberts and R. L. Marsh (2003)
J. Exp. Biol.
206, 2567-2580
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
- Mechanics of limb bone loading during terrestrial locomotion in the green iguana (Iguana iguana) and American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).
- R. Blob and A. Biewener (2001)
J. Exp. Biol.
204, 1099-1122
| Abstract »
| PDF »
- Load-Regulating Mechanisms in Gait and Posture: Comparative Aspects.
- J. Duysens, F. Clarac, and H. Cruse (2000)
Physiol Rev
80, 83-133
| Abstract »
| Full Text »
| PDF »
|
|
