Hip joint mobility in free-ranging rhesus macaques

Area of Science:

• Primate anatomy and biomechanics
• Comparative zoology
• Animal welfare science

Background:

• Previous studies indicated lower hip abduction range of motion (ROM) in captive rhesus macaques.
• Understanding the impact of environment on primate musculoskeletal health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare hip joint range of motion (ROM) between free-ranging and captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).
• To investigate potential environmental influences on hip mobility, particularly hip abduction.

Main Methods:

• Hip ROM was measured in anesthetized free-ranging rhesus macaques (n=39) from Cayo Santiago.
• Data were compared with published ROM data from captive rhesus macaques (n=16).
• One-way analysis of variance was used to detect significant differences (p < .05).

Main Results:

• Free-ranging macaques demonstrated significantly increased hip abduction, flexion, and internal rotation compared to captive individuals.
• Differences were observed across hip adduction-abduction, rotation, flexion-extension, and knee span during abduction.
• Age-matched male comparisons revealed significant increases in hip abduction, internal rotation, and flexion-extension range in free-ranging individuals.

Conclusions:

• Spatially restrictive environments decrease hip mobility in captive macaques.
• Limited environments restrict potential limb postures in caged primates.
• Findings impact animal sample selection for studies and laboratory animal husbandry practices.