New technique for studying reaction forces during primate behaviors on vertical substrates

American Journal of Physical Anthropology
Christopher J Vinyard, Daniel Schmitt

Abstract

Recording reaction forces from primates during behaviors on vertical substrates, such as leaping, climbing, or biting trees, typically requires the design and construction of customized recording devices or mounting commercially available force platforms in a vertical position. The technical difficulties imposed by either option have hindered in vivo research on the kinetics of primate behaviors on vertical substrates. We describe a simple, inexpensive apparatus for recording forces from primate behaviors on vertical substrates. The apparatus includes an instrumented beam fastened directly to a horizontal force platform and a surrounding vertical substrate that does not contact the instrumented beam or platform. The contact piece at the end of the instrumented beam is positioned flush with the noninstrumented vertical substrate, and reaction forces elicited on this instrumented section are directed to the force platform. Because most of the vertical substrate is not instrumented, we can isolate and record forces from a single limb or jaw during a behavior. Biewener and Full ([1992] Biomechanics Structures and Positions: A Practical Approach; New York: Oxford University press, p. 45-73) gave seven criteria to consider when desig...Continue Reading

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Aug 19, 2003·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Daniel Schmitt

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Citations

Jul 16, 2015·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Laura E JohnsonDaniel Schmitt
Apr 14, 2006·Folia primatologica; international journal of primatology·Kirsten SchoonaertPeter Aerts

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