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The role of tendon elasticity in hopping in a wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus)
Author(s) -
Ker R. F.,
Dimery Nicola J.,
Alexander R. McN.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1986.tb01904.x
Subject(s) - biology , elasticity (physics) , anatomy , tendon , strain (injury) , bending , biomechanics , materials science , composite material
The elastic properties of the major tendons of wallaby feet have been investigated in dynamic tensile tests at a frequency close to normal hopping frequencies. In addition, bending tests have been performed on the intertarsal and tarso‐metatarsal joints. The data are used to calculate the strain energy stored temporarily in the tendons and ligaments of the legs during a typical hopping stride. The contribution made by stored strain energy to the work required for hopping is assessed.