Forelimb joints contribute to locomotor performance in reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus ) by maintaining stability and storing energy

PeerJ

article

Guoyu Li¹  Rui Zhang¹  Dianlei Han¹  Hao Pang¹  Guolong Yu¹  Qingqiu Cao¹  Chen Wang¹  Lingxi Kong¹  Wang Chengjin¹  Wenchao Dong¹  Tao Li¹  Jianqiao Li¹ 

[1] Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University

关键词: Reindeer;    Locomotion;    Biomechanics;    Inverse dynamics;    Joint function;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.10278

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) have lengthy seasonal migrations on land and their feet possess excellent locomotor characteristics that can adapt to complex terrains. In this study, the kinematics and vertical ground reaction force (GRF) of reindeer forelimb joints (interphalangeal joint b, metacarpophalangeal joint c, and wrist joint d) under walk, trot 1, and trot 2 were measured using a motion tracking system and Footscan pressure plates. Significant differences among different locomotor activities were observed in the joint angles, but not in changes of the joint angles (αb, αc, αd) during the stance phase. Peak vertical GRF increased as locomotor speed increased. Net joint moment, power, and work at the forelimb joints were calculated via inverse dynamics. The peak joint moment and net joint power related to the vertical GRF increased as locomotor speed increased. The feet absorbed and generated more energy at the joints. During different locomotor activities, the contribution of work of the forelimbs changed with both gait and speed. In the stance phase, the metacarpophalangeal joint absorbed more energy than the other two joints while trotting and thus performed better in elastic energy storage. The joint angles changed very little (∼5°) from 0 to 75% of the stance phase, which reflected the stability of reindeer wrist joints. Compared to typical ungulates, reindeer toe joints are more stable and the stability and energy storage of forelimb joints contribute to locomotor performance in reindeer.

【 授权许可】

CC BY