Brief communication

Three‐dimensional motion analysis of hindlimb during brachiation in a white‐handed gibbon ( Hylobates lar )

Bibliographic Data

ID8313671
AuthorsKenji Oka (The University of Osaka, corresponding author), Eishi Hirasaki (0000-0001-7849-1936, The University of Osaka), Yohko Hirokawa (The University of Osaka), Yoshihiko Nakano (The University of Osaka), Hiroo Kumakura (The University of Osaka)
Year2010
Volume142
Issue4
Pages650-654
Publication date2010-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-9483 • E-ISSN: 1096-8644
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ajpa.21280
PMID20607695
OpenAlexW2130628634
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited16

In brachiating gibbons, it is thought that there is little movement in the hindlimb joints and that lateral body movement is quite limited. These hypotheses are based on naked‐eye observations, and no quantitative motion analyses of the hindlimbs have been reported. This study quantitatively describes the three‐dimensional movements of the lower trunk and distal thigh during continuous‐contact brachiation in a white‐handed gibbon ( Hylobates lar ) to evaluate the roles of the trunk and hindlimb. The results revealed that the lower trunk moved both laterally and vertically. The lateral movement of the lower trunk resulted from the lateral inclination of the trunk by gravity. The vertical movement of the trunk was converted into forward velocity, indicating an exchange between potential and kinetic energy. We also observed flexion and extension of the hip, although the excursion was within a small range. In addition, the lateral movement of the hindlimb in thedirection opposite to that of trunk movement helped to reduce the lateral sway of the body. These results suggest that during continuous‐contact brachiation a gibbon uses hip flexion and extension motions to increase the kinetic energy in the swing. In addition, fine motions of the hip may restrict the lateral sway of the center of body mass. Am J Phys Anthropol 142:650–654, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc

Acoustics · Biology · Excursion · Hindlimb · Movement (music) · Physics · Swing · Trunk · Amphibian and Reptile Biology · Anatomy · Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms · Robotic Locomotion and Control

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