How does muscle fiber type distribution affect the biomechanics and energetics of locomotion.

Why do we, humans, move the way we do? Energy minimization is often assumed to be one of the major neuromuscular mechanisms underlying the preferred gait. Yet, why certain gait pattern appears optimal for a specific person is still a question. As skeletal muscles are the major energy consuming tissues during locomotion, it seems very likely that during this preferred gait pattern muscles operate at favorable conditions. Interestingly, muscles contain numerous muscle fibers (fast and slow muscle fibers) which demonstrate substantial differences in mechanical and metabolic properties. Every human has both fast and slow muscle fibers, but the distribution between fiber types is highly variable between people. In this project, we want to enhance our understanding on whether and how muscle fiber type distribution influences whole-body metabolic rate and its effect on one’s preferred gait pattern during locomotion.

Keywords:Locomotion, Muscle fiber type distribution, triceps surae, whole-body metabolic rate

Disciplines:Biomechanics, Exercise physiology, Sports sciences