Muscular force in running turkeys:​ work, the economy of minimizing

Roberts, Thomas J.; Marsh, Richard L.; Weyand, Peter G.; Taylor, C. Richard

Affiliations

¹Harvard University, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Concord Field Station, Old Causeway Road, Bedford, MA 01730, USA

²Northeastern University, Department of Biology, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA

Abstract

During running, muscles and tendons must absorb and release mechanical work to maintain the cyclic movements of the body and limbs, while also providing enough force to support the weight of the body. Direct measurements of force and fiber length in the lateral gastrocnemius muscle of running turkeys revealed that the stretch and recoil of tendon and muscle springs supply mechanical work while active muscle fibers produce high forces. During level running, the active muscle shortens little and performs little work but provides the force necessary to support body weight economically. Running economy is improved by muscles that act as active struts rather than working machines.

Links

DOI: 10.1126/science.275.5303.1113

PubMed: 9027309

WoS: A1997WJ50300040

History

Received: 1996-09-16

Accepted: 1996-12-23

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Cited By (29)

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