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Mechanical power output during running accelerations in wild turkeys.
Thomas J Roberts1, Jeffrey A Scales
1Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-2914, USA. robertst@bcc.orst.edu
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|April 27, 2002
Summary
Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) produce maximal hindlimb muscle power during running accelerations. They shift from steady-speed running mechanics to a high-power gait, generating over 400 W kg(-1) muscle power.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Animal locomotion
- Muscle physiology
Background:
- Understanding how animals generate high power during locomotion is crucial for biomechanics.
- Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) provide a model for studying rapid acceleration in birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that wild turkey hindlimb muscles produce maximal power during running accelerations.
- To compare running mechanics during steady-speed versus acceleration.
Main Methods:
- Calculated mechanical power from force-plate and high-speed video data during turkey accelerations.
- Analyzed ground reaction forces and body center of mass mechanics.
- Measured kinematic changes in limb protraction and retraction.
Main Results:
- During maximal acceleration, turkeys produced purely propulsive forces and positive work, unlike steady-speed running.
- Kinematic adjustments (limb angles) maintained body alignment during acceleration.
- Peak instantaneous power output exceeded 400 W kg(-1) hindlimb muscle mass.
- Mean power increased significantly from near zero (steady-speed) to over 150 W kg(-1) muscle during acceleration.
Conclusions:
- Wild turkey hindlimb muscles achieve maximal power output during acceleration.
- Elastic energy storage and recovery likely contribute to high power output.
- Elastic mechanisms enable muscles to function as both force-producing struts and power-producing motors.