Preferred gait and walk-run transition speeds in ostriches measured using GPS-IMU sensors.

摘要: The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is widely appreciated as a fast and agile bipedal athlete, useful comparative model for human locomotion. Here, we used GPS-IMU sensors to measure naturally selected gait dynamics of ostriches roaming freely over wide range speeds in an open field developed quantitative method distinguishing walking running using accelerometry. We compared gait-speed distributions with previous laboratory measures energetics. also measured the walk-run run-walk transition them those reported humans. found that prefer walk remarkably slowly, narrow speed distribution consistent minimizing cost transport (CoT) according rigid-legged model. dimensionless transitions are slower than observed Unlike humans, run well below mechanical limit necessitating aerial phase, predicted by compass-gait When running, use broad distribution, observations relatively economical runners have flat curve CoT against speed. In contrast, horses exhibit U-shaped curves speed, within each CoT. Overall, moving natural terrain lab-based Nonetheless, ostriches, like gait-transition hysteresis not explained steady-state locomotor Further study required understand transitions.