Locomotion in the North American mink, a semi-aquatic mammal. II. The effect of an elongate body on running energetics and gait patterns

1983 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 283-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Stride Length ◽  
American Mink ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Stride Frequency ◽  
Energetic Cost ◽  
Transport Costs ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Aquatic Mammal ◽  
Transition Speed ◽  
The North

Oxygen consumption (VO2) of minks increased non-linearly with running speed over the range of 0.70-6.40 km h-1. A break in the VO2 vs speed relationship occurred at approximately 3.94 km h-1 and corresponded to the transition from a walking to a half-bounding gait pattern. Incremental transport costs associated with bounding were 36% lower than for walking at similar speeds. The lower energetic cost of bounding was attributed in part to low stride frequencies and in part to spinal flexion. The latter was particularly important in circumventing stride length restrictions associated with the short limbs of these animals. As a result, stride frequency and stride length of these elongate mustelids at the gait transition speed were similar to values predicted for conventionally-shaped mammals.

scholarly journals Supervised Exercise Training Improves 6 min Walking Distance and Modifies Gait Pattern during Pain-Free Walking Condition in Patients with Symptomatic Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 7989
Author(s):  
Stefano Lanzi ◽  
Joël Boichat ◽  
Luca Calanca ◽  
Lucia Mazzolai ◽  
Davide Malatesta
Keyword(s):  
Stride Length ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Stride Frequency ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Relative Duration ◽  
Foot Kinematics ◽  
Supervised Exercise ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Kinematics Parameters

This study aimed to investigate the effects of supervised exercise training (SET) on spatiotemporal gait and foot kinematics parameters in patients with symptomatic lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) during a 6 min walk test. Symptomatic patients with chronic PAD (Fontaine stage II) following a 3 month SET program were included. Prior to and following SET, a 6 min walk test was performed to assess the 6 min walking distance (6MWD) of each patient. During this test, spatiotemporal gait and foot kinematics parameters were assessed during pain-free and painful walking conditions. Twenty-nine patients with PAD (65.4 ± 9.9 years.) were included. The 6MWD was significantly increased following SET (+10%; p ≤ 0.001). The walking speed (+8%) and stride frequency (+5%) were significantly increased after SET (p ≤ 0.026). The stride length was only significantly increased during the pain-free walking condition (+4%, p = 0.001), whereas no significant differences were observed during the condition of painful walking. Similarly, following SET, the relative duration of the loading response increased (+12%), the relative duration of the foot-flat phase decreased (−3%), and the toe-off pitch angle significantly increased (+3%) during the pain-free walking condition alone (p ≤ 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between changes in the stride length (r = 0.497, p = 0.007) and stride frequency (r = 0.786, p ≤ 0.001) during pain-free walking condition and changes in the 6MWD. A significant negative correlation was found between changes in the foot-flat phase during pain-free walking condition and changes in the 6MWD (r = −0.567, p = 0.002). SET was found to modify the gait pattern of patients with symptomatic PAD, and many of these changes were found to occur during pain-free walking. The improvement in individuals’ functional 6 min walk test was related to changes in their gait pattern.

The use of low doses of acepromazine as an aid for lameness diagnosis in horses: An accelerometric evaluation

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (05) ◽  
pp. 312-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gómez Cisneros ◽  
Varela del Arco ◽  
Santiag Llorente ◽  
Santos González ◽  
F. J. López-Sanromán
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Saline Solution ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Stride Frequency ◽  
Low Doses ◽  
Baseline Values ◽  
Different Doses

Summary Objectives: The aim of the present study was to quantify by accelerometry the trotting pattern of adult horses sedated with two different doses of acepromazine, in order to assess the use of this drug in equine lameness evaluations. Methods: Seven mature horses were used and three treatments were administered to each horse: saline solution, acepromazine (0.01 mg/kg), and acepromazine (0.02 mg/ kg). The portable gait analyzer used consisted of three orthogonal accelerometers that measure accelerations along the dorso -ventral, longitudinal, and lateral axes. Baseline values were obtained and after treatment, accelerometric recordings were repeated every five minutes during the first 20 minutes after the injection and then every 10 minutes thereafter for two hours. Ground-tolip distance was also measured. Results: Administration of acepromazine decreased some of the variables investigated and differences between doses were observed. Speed, stride frequency, and stride length were significantly reduced following treatments. For coordination parameters, no significant differences among values were observed. Energetic variables suffered only weak reductions whereas ground-to-lip distance values were significantly decreased up to 120 minutes after treatment. Clinical significance: Acepromazine produces significant alterations in the gait pattern with differences between doses, but it does not affect coordination variables in normal unexcited horses, and at a dose of 0.01 mg/kg may be the tranquilizer of choice for evaluating lameness in this setting.

scholarly journals Capacitive resistive electric transfer modifies gait pattern in horses exercised on a treadmill

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mireya Becero ◽  
Aritz Saitua ◽  
David Argüelles ◽  
Antonia Lucía Sánchez de Medina ◽  
Cristina Castejón-Riber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stride Length ◽  
Treadmill Exercise ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Stride Frequency ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Sham Procedure ◽  
Hemoglobin Saturation ◽  
Pectoral Region ◽  
Deep Temperature

Abstract Background Capacitive resistive electric transfer (CRET), a radiofrequency at 448 kHz, resulted in increased superficial and deep temperature and hemoglobin saturation, faster elimination of metabolic and inflammatory products and enhanced sport performance in humans. This research aims to investigate whether the application of CRET affects the locomotor pattern in horses and to assess whether an accumulative effect appears when two CRET sessions are applied two consecutive days. Methods Nine horses were subjected to two CRET sessions applied in both right and left sides of neck, shoulder, back and croup. The horses were exercised on a treadmill, at walk and at trot, before CRET application and at 2, 6 and 12 h after. A second CRET session was applied next day, and the animals were evaluated again at the same times (i.e. at 26, 30 and 36 h after the first session). Between 5 and 7 days later, the same horses were subjected to a sham procedure and they were evaluated in the same times as in the CRET experiment. During treadmill exercise, locomotor parameters were measured with a triaxial accelerometer fixed in the pectoral region and in the sacrum midline. Results The sham procedure did not affect any of the accelerometric variables studied. CRET applications resulted in greater total powers, which resulted in absolute increased dorsoventral, mediolateral and longitudinal powers. However, a reduction in dorsoventral power expressed as a percentage of total power was found. Stride regularity increased. The greater total power resulted in longer stride length and because the velocity was kept fixed on the treadmill, stride frequency decreased. An accumulative effect of CRET application was only found in stride length and frequency. Conclusions It appears that CRET is a useful technique to enhance power and to elongate the stride at defined walk and trot velocities. The effect of these changes on performance should be studied for horses competing in different sport disciplines.

scholarly journals Energetic cost of locomotion as a function of ambient temperature and during growth in the marsupial Potorous tridactylus.

1993 ◽  
Vol 174 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-95
Author(s):  
R V Baudinette ◽  
E A Halpern ◽  
D S Hinds
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Linear Increase ◽  
Stride Frequency ◽  
Energetic Cost ◽  
Cost Of Transport ◽  
Cost Of Locomotion

In the marsupial, the potoroo, multiple regression analysis shows that ambient temperature makes a minor (2%) contribution towards variation in oxygen consumption with speed. This suggests that the heat generated during running is substituted for heat which would otherwise have to be generated for temperature regulation. Maximum levels of oxygen consumption are also temperature-independent over the range 5-25 degrees C, but plasma lactate concentrations at the conclusion of exercise significantly increase with ambient temperature. Adult potoroos show a linear increase in oxygen consumption with speed, and multiple regression indicates that the most significant factor affecting energy use during running is stride length. Juvenile potoroos have an incremental cost of locomotion about 40% lower than that predicted on the basis of body mass. The smaller animals meet the demands of increasing speed by increasing stride length rather than stride frequency, as would be expected in a smaller species. Our results show that juvenile potoroos diverge significantly from models based only on adult animals in incremental changes in stride frequency, length and the cost of transport, suggesting that they are not simply scaled-down adults.

scholarly journals Effects of Auditory Cueing on Cadence and Gait Pattern

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1233-1237
Author(s):  
Andrei Carballo ◽  
Matthew Chang ◽  
Brian Hirmiz ◽  
Nicolette Lambright ◽  
Vivian Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fall Risk ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Stride Time ◽  
Auditory Cues ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Swing Time ◽  
Stance Time ◽  
Auditory Cueing

A large portion of the population participate in gait rehabilitation, especially those with conditions such as increased fall risk such as stroke, or Parkinson’s Disease. Some studies have shown that auditory cues help improve gait and reduce fall risk, but relationship with gait patterns is missing. In this study, eight participants walked at their preferred cadence and at increased and reduced cadence by 20%. We found that step length and step width were not significantly different in all walking conditions. Decreased cadence resulted in an increase of swing time, stance time, stride time, and stance to swing ratio, and a decrease in stride length. Increased cadence resulted in a decrease in stance time, stride time, swing time, and stance to swing ratio, and an increase in stride length. The results suggest there is a strong correlation between auditory cues and gait patterns that can improve rehabilitative processes in the future.

Locomotion in the North American mink, a semi-aquatic mammal. I. Swimming energetics and body drag

1983 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. Williams
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
American Mink ◽  
Aquatic Mammal ◽  
Shape Characteristic ◽  
The North ◽  
Aquatic Locomotion ◽  
High Speeds ◽  
Body Drag ◽  
Terrestrial Environments ◽  
Total Body

Oxygen consumption (VO2) during surface swimming and total body drag were investigated in the North American mink, Mustela vision Schreber. Over the range of 0.13-0.70 ms-1, VO2 increased curvilinearly with speed for minks swimming against a current in a water flume. Similarly, body drag of a mink carcass increased non-linearly with speed and was described by the equation, Drag = 1.24 velocity. A streamlined body shape, characteristic of many mustelids, aided in reducing drag at high speeds. Net swimming efficiencies were comparatively low (less than 2.8%) and were attributed to hig levels of drag when on the water surface and the absence of appendage specialization for aquatic locomotion. This lack of specialization probably contributes to high energetic costs but enables the mink to forage in both the aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Locomotory energetics in a marsupial, Setonix Brachyurus

1977 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 423 ◽  
Author(s):  
RV Baudinette
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Body Temperature ◽  
Sweat Gland ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Stride Frequency ◽  
Sweat Glands ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Similar Body ◽  
Active Sweat Glands

The gait patterns, rates of oxygen consumption, body temperature and sweat gland activity were examined in S. brachyurus during locomotion on a treadmill. At speeds up to 12.6 km h-1 the animal moved in a quadrupedal bound occasionally punctuated by six or seven hops. At the higher speeds within this range, stride frequency became relatively constant and increases in stride length were the primary determinants of increased speed. Rates of oxygen consumption increased linearly with speed of locomotion up to 7.6 km h-1; above this range the animals would not run for prolonged periods when wearing a gas collection mask. The gradient of this line was similar to that predicted for a eutherian of similar body mass, but the extrapolation to zero speed was much higher than found in other mammals. As the quokka increased speed, a greater proportion of the heat produced while running was stored. At 7.6 km h-1, this was 60% of the total production. Active sweat glands were demonstrated on the limbs and feet during locomotion.

The Gait Patterns of Olympic Dressage Horses

1990 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy R. Deuel ◽  
Jong-Jin Park
Keyword(s):  
Motion Picture ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Olympic Games ◽  
Stride Frequency ◽  
Special Test ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Contact Patterns ◽  
World Class ◽  
Left Lead

Limb contact variables of the gaits of dressage horses were determined for competitors at the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympic Games in the team and individual dressage competitions. Two 16-mm motion picture cameras filming at 100 fps were aimed perpendicular to the plane of equestrian motion along the HXF and MXK diagonals of the standard dressage arena. Eighteen competitors in team dressage were filmed during the Grand Prix test while executing the extended walk, extended trot, and left lead extended canter. Fifteen horses selected as finalists for individual dressage medals were filmed during the Grand Prix Special test executing the extended trot, one-stride canter lead changes, two-stride canter lead changes, and the left lead extended canter. Velocities of the extended walk, extended trot, and extended canter were positively related to stride length. Velocities of the Grand Prix extended walk and Grand Prix Special extended trot were positively related to stride frequency. Limb contact patterns of the extended walk stride appeared to have relatively little importance in scoring. Certain characteristics of the extended trot and extended canter were strongly related to scores attained in Grand Prix Special dressage tests, with highest scores achieved by horses with the longest, fastest strides. For canter strides involving lead changes, no limb contact variables were detected that were significantly related to scores. This study provided the first objective documentation of the limb contact patterns of the walk, trot, and canter of world-class dressage horses.

Speed, stride frequency and energy cost per stride: how do they change with body size and gait?

1988 ◽  
Vol 138 (1) ◽  
pp. 301-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. C. Heglund ◽  
C. R. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Stride Frequency ◽  
Energetic Cost ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Frequency Change ◽  
Cost Of Locomotion ◽  
The Cost

In this study we investigate how speed and stride frequency change with body size. We use this information to define ‘equivalent speeds’ for animals of different size and to explore the factors underlying the six-fold difference in mass-specific energy cost of locomotion between mouse- and horse-sized animals at these speeds. Speeds and stride frequencies within a trot and a gallop were measured on a treadmill in 16 species of wild and domestic quadrupeds, ranging in body size from 30 g mice to 200 kg horses. We found that the minimum, preferred and maximum sustained speeds within a trot and a gallop all change in the same rather dramatic manner with body size, differing by nine-fold between mice and horses (i.e. all three speeds scale with about the 0.2 power of body mass). Although the absolute speeds differ greatly, the maximum sustainable speed was about 2.6-fold greater than the minimum within a trot, and 2.1-fold greater within a gallop. The frequencies used to sustain the equivalent speeds (with the exception of the minimum trotting speed) scale with about the same factor, the −0.15 power of body mass. Combining this speed and frequency data with previously published data on the energetic cost of locomotion, we find that the mass-specific energetic cost of locomotion is almost directly proportional to the stride frequency used to sustain a constant speed at all the equivalent speeds within a trot and a gallop, except for the minimum trotting speed (where it changes by a factor of two over the size range of animals studied). Thus the energy cost per kilogram per stride at five of the six equivalent speeds is about the same for all animals, independent of body size, but increases with speed: 5.0 J kg-1 stride-1 at the preferred trotting speed; 5.3 J kg-1 stride-1 at the trot-gallop transition speed; 7.5 J kg-1 stride-1 at the preferred galloping speed; and 9.4 J kg-1 stride-1 at the maximum sustained galloping speed. The cost of locomotion is determined primarily by the cost of activating muscles and of generating a unit of force for a unit of time. Our data show that both these costs increase directly with the stride frequency used at equivalent speeds by different-sized animals. The increase in cost per stride with muscles (necessitating higher muscle forces for the same ground reaction force) as stride length increases both in the trot and in the gallop.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document