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Hand biomechanics during simulated stone tool use.

Campbell Rolian¹, Daniel E Lieberman, John Paul Zermeno

¹Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Health Research Innovation Centre 3AC64, 3330 Hospital Drive N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada. cprolian@ucalgary.ca

Journal of Human Evolution

|March 23, 2011

Summary

Human thumbs evolved for stone tool use, featuring longer digits and robust bones. This anatomy enhances gripping force and reduces joint stress, supporting Homo

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Area of Science:

Paleoanthropology
Biomechanics
Evolutionary Biology

Background:

Human radial digits (thumb and fingers) possess unique features like longer thumbs, larger joint surfaces, and developed thenar muscles compared to apes.
These distinct anatomical traits are hypothesized to be adaptations for manufacturing and utilizing stone tools.

Purpose of the Study:

To test the hypothesis that human radial digit morphology evolved for stone tool use, specifically for generating high gripping forces and managing joint stresses.
To quantify forces and joint stresses during simulated stone tool activities and assess the influence of digit morphology on these mechanics.

Main Methods:

Utilized portable force plates to simulate early stone tool use (hard-hammer percussion and flake use).
Collected force and kinematic data from 25 individuals with natural variation in digit morphology.

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Employed partial correlations to analyze the impact of digit size and shape on biomechanics, controlling for tool reaction forces and impact velocities.

Main Results:

Individuals with longer digits exhibited reduced need for muscle force to stabilize joints and experienced lower joint contact stresses during tool use.
Increased robusticity of metacarpals and phalanges in humans, relative to chimpanzees, contributes to lower joint stresses.
Pan- or australopith-like thumb anatomy poses significant challenges for habitual tool use.

Conclusions:

Evolutionary increases in human thumb length, robusticity, and thenar muscle mass facilitated greater force production and tolerance of higher joint stresses during stone tool activities.
The findings support the adaptation of human hand morphology for the demands of stone tool manufacture and use.