Publication
Title
Intrinsic limb morpho-dynamics and the early development of interlimb coordination of walking in a quadrupedal primate
Author
Abstract
We question the developmental changes of the temporal aspects of quadrupedal walking and how these relate to the intrinsic morphological (size, shape) and dynamical (inertia) properties of the limbs and body. Indeed, during ontogeny of altricial species, a dependent infant develops toward autonomy. Interlimb coordination is likely to be mediated by the neurological system (central pattern generators and/or supraspinal control), whereas the mechanical parameters of limbs and body appear to influence the locomotor optimization of gaits. We studied six captive baboons at two instants in their development, when they just begin foraging independently and when they are autonomous, in order to collect, in parallel, morphometrics and temporal parameters of voluntary quadrupedal walking. The natural pendular period (NPP) is put forward to represent the limb's intrinsic morpho-dynamics; the position of the body center of mass as the morpho-dynamics of the body. The main results reveal that fore- and hindlimbs, at the level of the convergence of the NPP, have a significant and positive impact on the interlimb coordination pattern. This probably facilitates, very early in development, the control of the coordination. Nevertheless, because an improved control of the interlimb coordination points at a proceeding neuromotor maturation as well, neuromotor control appears to become gradually important relatively to the intrinsic morpho-dynamics of the limbs during infancy. These findings are of importance in the context of the evolution of the locomotor developmental processes in primates.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Journal of zoology. - London
Publication
London : 2017
ISSN
0952-8369
0022-5460
DOI
10.1111/JZO.12423
Volume/pages
301 :3 (2017) , p. 235-247
ISI
000395698500008
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
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Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
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Creation 02.05.2017
Last edited 04.03.2024
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