Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes

Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes

The human leg comprises an intricate system of muscles that facilitate the movement of feet and toes. Within this system, the muscles are categorized into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments, each with a unique set of muscles carrying out specific functions.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.

Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula

Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula

The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...

Static and Kinetic Frictional Force

Static and Kinetic Frictional Force

One of the simpler characteristics of sliding friction is that it is parallel to the contact surfaces between systems, and is always in a direction that opposes the motion or attempted motion of the systems relative to each other. If two systems are in contact and moving relative to one another, then the friction between them is called kinetic friction. For example, kinetic friction slows a hockey puck sliding on ice.
However, if two systems are in contact and are stationary relative to one...

Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella

Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella

The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the neck...

Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity

Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity

Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...

Static, Stagnation, Dynamic and Total Pressure

Static, Stagnation, Dynamic and Total Pressure

The concept of static, stagnation, dynamic, and total pressure is fundamental in fluid dynamics, often explained using Bernoulli's equation:

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Biomechanical mechanisms underlying the effect of minimalist footwear on walking stability in persons with a history of falls.

Communications medicine·2025

Same author

Could "wild horses" drag you away? Quantifying muscular architecture in the forelimbs of extant, non-domestic equids (Perissodactyla: Equidae).

Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)·2025

Same author

Validity and reliability of wireless pressure insoles for measuring gait biomechanics in healthy adults: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PloS one·2025

Same author

An alternative pattern of head expansion during feeding in cichlids.

Communications biology·2025

Same author

A Human Motion Data Capture Study The University of Liverpool Rehabilitation Exercise Dataset.

Scientific data·2025

Same author

Footwear Choice and Locomotor Health Throughout the Life Course: A Critical Review.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly

Published on: March 11, 2022

Toe function and dynamic pressure distribution in ostrich locomotion.

Nina Ursula Schaller¹, Kristiaan D'Août, Rikk Villa

¹University of Heidelberg, Department of Morphology/Ecology, INF 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. nina.schaller@senckenberg.de

The Journal of Experimental Biology

|March 11, 2011

Summary

Ostriches, specialized terrestrial birds, use their unique digitigrade stance for efficient bipedal locomotion. Their foot pressure and toe movements adapt dynamically to maintain balance and enhance traction during walking and running.

More Related Videos

In Vivo Measurement of Hindlimb Dorsiflexor Isometric Torque from Pig

In Vivo Measurement of Hindlimb Dorsiflexor Isometric Torque from Pig

Published on: September 3, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly

Published on: March 11, 2022

In Vivo Measurement of Hindlimb Dorsiflexor Isometric Torque from Pig

In Vivo Measurement of Hindlimb Dorsiflexor Isometric Torque from Pig

Published on: September 3, 2021

Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Paleontology
Avian locomotion

Background:

Ostriches are unique among birds for their didactyl feet and permanently elevated metatarsophalangeal joint.
This digitigrady is crucial for studying phalangeal adaptations in fast, sustained bipedal locomotion.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate dynamic pressure distribution, center of pressure (CoP) trajectory, and toe interactions during ostrich locomotion.
To understand how these factors contribute to locomotor efficiency and stability in ostriches.

Main Methods:

Pedobarography was used to collect data in a semi-natural setting with cooperative, hand-raised ostriches.
Walking and running trials were analyzed to examine pressure distribution and CoP trajectory.

Main Results:

Both walking and running showed a J-shaped CoP trajectory, with origin localization increasing with speed.
Load distribution patterns differed significantly between walking (variable, minor claw use) and running (triangular, claw essential for traction).
Toe position and pressure modulation aided balance, especially at lower speeds during the stance phase.

Conclusions:

Ostrich locomotion demonstrates dynamic stability and efficiency through limited hindlimb joint articulation.
Findings can inform reconstructions of theropod dinosaur locomotion and advance avian pedobarographic research.