Biomechanical implications of the onset of walking

Journal of Human Evolution
Libby W Cowgill, Rob'yn A Johnston

Abstract

Changes in long bone strength associated with the onset of bipedal walking in humans have been previously documented in a longitudinal growth sample. However, it is unclear if this transition can be detected using archaeological, cross-sectional data, which likely encompass more cultural and biological variation than a single dataset of living children. Focusing on variation in cross-sectional polar second moment of area, we evaluate the ratios of femoral, tibial, and humeral strength in seven temporally diverse samples of individuals from birth to the age of eighteen years (n = 501), with subsequent comparisons to immature Late Pleistocene fossils. Using these samples, we determine whether changes related to the developmental onset of bipedality can be detected in a large, multi-population sample, test for differences in long bone strength ratios among Holocene groups that may indicate developmental differences in the onset of walking, and determine whether immature Late Pleistocene samples follow the same patterns as modern humans. Despite great variation within the Holocene sample, clear changes in these ratios are apparent around the age of the onset of walking. Humeral-to-femoral strength increases briefly prior to the age...Continue Reading

Citations

Jul 14, 2020·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Karen R SwanLouise T Humphrey
Aug 27, 2019·Journal of Human Evolution·Thierra K NalleyZeresenay Alemseged
Jul 16, 2021·Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise·Jan PlesekDaniel Jandacka
Dec 10, 2021·Clinical Anatomy : Official Journal of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists & the British Association of Clinical Anatomists·Gina BertocciMary Clyde Pierce

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