Muscle function during running

Summary

The anatomy of the legs is complex with multiple muscles that are (anatomically) capable of flexing and extending the limb joints. How do these muscles operate mechanically and how is their action co-ordinated to produce stable and economical walking and running? A new model proposes that the geometry of the limbs and anatomical positioning of the muscles enables muscles to operate sequentially as linkages that avoid work demands (Usherwood, 2022: J. Exp. Biol. 225, jeb243254). The aim of this project is to determine how the muscles operate during locomotion.

The project will use an animal model and will involve a range of state-of-the-art physiological techniques (electromyography, sonomicrometry, muscle ergometry) to determine muscle function during locomotion. 3D motion analysis will be used to determine limb and body kinematics and kinetics.

The project will lead to a detailed insight into how muscles are used during locomotion, and how their function can be modulated in response to external factors such as gradient, substrate and speed. It will also lead to the advancement of models of locomotion, which will play an important role the replacement, reduction and refinement (3Rs) of animals in scientific research and the development of improved treatments for disorders affecting gait.

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