This study uses predictive human musculoskeletal simulations, scaled in mass from a mouse (0.1 kg) to an elephant (2000 kg), to investigate the relationship between speed, body mass, and posture in mammals. The simulations replicate observed patterns: an intermediate optimal body mass for speed; reduced cost of transport with increasing size; and crouched postures at smaller masses, upright postures at larger masses. Larger animals are limited by muscle force production, smaller animals by ground reaction force production. The findings suggest these phenomena are general rules, not specific to quadrupedal or bipedal gaits.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Oct 04, 2024
Authors
Christofer J. Clemente, Friedl De Groote, Taylor J. M. Dick
Tags
musculoskeletal simulations
body mass
speed
posture
mammals
muscle force
ground reaction
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