RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Muscular Force in Running Turkeys: The Economy of Minimizing Work
JF Science
JO Science
FD American Association for the Advancement of Science
SP 1113
OP 1115
DO 10.1126/science.275.5303.1113
VO 275
IS 5303
A1 Roberts, Thomas J.
A1 Marsh, Richard L.
A1 Weyand, Peter G.
A1 Taylor, C. Richard
YR 1997
UL http://science.sciencemag.org/content/275/5303/1113.abstract
AB During running, muscles and tendons must absorb and release mechanical work to maintain the cyclic movements of the body and limbs, while also providing enough force to support the weight of the body. Direct measurements of force and fiber length in the lateral gastrocnemius muscle of running turkeys revealed that the stretch and recoil of tendon and muscle springs supply mechanical work while active muscle fibers produce high forces. During level running, the active muscle shortens little and performs little work but provides the force necessary to support body weight economically. Running economy is improved by muscles that act as active struts rather than working machines.