Files and links (1)
Preprint VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Preprint
Unlocking the secrets of kangaroo locomotor energetics: Postural adaptations underpin increased tendon stress in hopping kangaroos
bioRxiv, Vol.8 February 2024
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
2024
Abstract
Hopping kangaroos exhibit remarkably little change in their rate of metabolic energy expenditure with locomotor speed compared to other running animals. This phenomenon may be related to greater elastic energy savings due to increasing tendon stress; however, the mechanisms which enable the rise in stress remain poorly understood. In this study, we created a three-dimensional (3D) kangaroo musculoskeletal model, integrating 3D motion capture and force plate data, to analyse the kinematics and kinetics of hopping red and grey kangaroos. Using our model, we evaluated how body mass and speed influence (i) hindlimb posture, (ii) effective mechanical advantage (EMA), and (iii) the associated tendon stress in the ankle extensors and (iv) ankle work during hopping. We found that increasing ankle dorsiflexion and metatarsophalangeal plantarflexion likely played an important role in decreasing ankle EMA by altering both the muscle and external moment arms, which subsequently increased energy absorption and peak tendon stress at the ankle. Surprisingly, kangaroo hindlimb posture appeared to contribute to increased tendon stress, thereby elucidating a potential mechanism behind the increase in stress with speed. These posture-mediated increases in elastic energy savings could be a key factor enabling kangaroos to achieve energetic benefits at faster hopping speeds, but may limit the performance of large kangaroos due to the risk of tendon rupture.
Details
- Title
- Unlocking the secrets of kangaroo locomotor energetics: Postural adaptations underpin increased tendon stress in hopping kangaroos
- Authors
- Lauren Haylee Thornton (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringTaylor J M Dick (Author) - The University of QueenslandJohn R Hutchinson - Royal Veterinary CollegeGlen A Lichtwark - Queensland University of TechnologyCraig P McGowan - University of Southern CaliforniaJonas Rubenson - Pennsylvania State UniversityAlexis Wiktorowicz-Conroy (Author) - Royal Veterinary CollegeChristofer Clemente - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Publication details
- bioRxiv, Vol.8 February 2024
- Publisher
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1101/2024.02.05.578950
- ISSN
- 2692-8205
- Copyright note
- The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY 4.0 International license.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991006998702621
- Output Type
- Preprint
Metrics
39 File views/ downloads
82 Record Views