Issues

Cover: Most studies on the biomechanics of running in birds have focused on sagittal plane movements. Using a combination of anatomical modeling and gait analysis, Rubenson et al. (pp. 2548−2562) reconstructed the ostrich (Struthio camelus) hind limb during running in three dimensions (seen here with marker and anatomical landmark trajectories). Surprisingly, this cursorial species exhibits considerable non-sagittal segment motion, much of which is explained by the orientation of the jointsâ flexion/extension axes. Three-dimensional analyses such as these provide valuable clues into the relationship between avian bipedal musculoskeletal structure and function, and its evolution. (Images created using BodyBuilder software, Oxford Metrics.)