Maximum running speed limitations on terrestrial mammals: a theoretical approach.
Here we study maximum running speed (MRS) limitations on a previously proposed model of energetic and muscle-tendon unit functions on running mammals. In the present work the MRS and some anatomical or physiological limitations are estimated for mammals with body mass between 1.5 and 300 kg. The MRS variations with body mass are discussed and compared with results of previous experimental and observational studies. The tendon strength seems to be the most relevant limitation, but leg extensor muscle mass and metabolic costs could be relevant also. The physiological maximum muscle speed seems to be less important in the body mass range studied here.
Blanco
R Ernesto
RE
Instituto de Física, Facultad de Ingeniería, Julio Herrera y Reissig 565, 11300 Montevideo, Uruguay. ernesto@fisica.edu.uy
Gambini
Rodolfo
R
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005121:Extremities / Q000502:physiology; D008322:Mammals; D008954:Models, Biological; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology