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Effects of load inversion in cockroach walking
G S Larsen1, S F Frazier, S E Fish
1Department of Anatomy, Cell and Neurobiology, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25755.
Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Cockroaches adapt their walking patterns and muscle activity when inverted. Changes in leg movement and muscle firing support the body against gravity during inverted locomotion.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Animal Locomotion
- Neuroethology
Background:
- Understanding how animals adapt locomotion to altered gravitational forces is crucial for biomechanics.
- Previous research has explored insect locomotion, but adaptations to inverted surfaces require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the kinematic and muscular adaptations of cockroach (Periplaneta americana) hindlegs during upright versus inverted walking.
- To analyze changes in joint angles and muscle activation patterns under reversed gravitational effects.
Main Methods:
- Videotaped cockroaches walking on upright and inverted surfaces.
- Measured hindleg femoro-tibial joint angles.
- Recorded electromyograms (EMGs) from tibial extensor and flexor muscles.
Main Results:
- Inverted walking resulted in shorter swing durations and increased joint extension during stance.
- Muscle activity patterns changed significantly: fast flexor motoneurons fired during swing and early stance for support.
- Extensor motoneuron firing occurred later in stance during inverted walking, facilitating propulsion.
Conclusions:
- Cockroach hindleg locomotion exhibits distinct adaptations to inverted surfaces, involving altered joint kinematics and muscle recruitment.
- These adaptations support a model of stance divided into support and propulsion phases, reflecting gravity reversal.
- The findings suggest flexible motor control strategies in insects for navigating challenging terrains and gravitational conditions.