Comparative morphometric study of the australopithecine vertebral series Stw-H8/H41

Sanders, William J.

doi:10.1006/jhev.1997.0193

Cited by 97 publications

(100 citation statements)

References 102 publications

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“…Hominin axial skeletons show many derived adaptations for bipedalism, including an elongated lumbar region, both in the number of vertebrae and their lengths, as well as a marked posterior concavity of wedged lumbar vertebrae, known as a lordosis [4][5][6] . The lordosis stabilizes the upper body over the lower limbs in bipeds by positioning the trunk's centre of mass (COM) above the hips.…”

Section: Fetal Load and The Evolution Of Lumbar Lordosis In Bipedal Hmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is reasonable to hypothesize that fatigue and pain in the lower back muscle affected early hominin mothers just as they do modern mothers, possibly limiting foraging efficiency and the ability to escape from predators, leaving the gravid female at risk of nutritional stress and injury or death. Later hominins underwent a reduction in the number of lumbar vertebrae, from six to five modal vertebrae 5,24,25 , along with relative increases in vertebral body size 26 possibly for carrying 5 , increased trekking 27 and/or endurance running 28 . Regardless of the varied selection pressures behind these shifts, fetal load remained a persistent selection factor in the evolution of lumbar sexual dimorphism in hominins.…”

Section: Fetal Load and The Evolution Of Lumbar Lordosis In Bipedal Hmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Fetal load and the evolution of lumbar lordosis in bipedal hominins

Whitcome

Shapiro

Lieberman

2007

Nature

233

235

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Section: Fetal Load and The Evolution Of Lumbar Lordosis In Bipedal Hmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Fetal Load and The Evolution Of Lumbar Lordosis In Bipedal Hmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fetal load and the evolution of lumbar lordosis in bipedal hominins

Whitcome

Shapiro

Lieberman

2007

Nature

233

235

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“…Some researchers argue that the locomotor mode of these hominids was kinematically distinct from our own (e.g. Zuckerman et al, 1973;Oxnard, 1975;Tuttle, 1981;Stern and Susman, 1983;Berge, 1984Berge, , 1991Berge, , 1994Susman et al, 1984;Berge and Kazmeirczak, 1986;McHenry, 1986McHenry, , 1991aDuncan et al, 1994;Ruff, 1988;Sanders, 1998;Stern, 2000). Others have argued equally strongly that early hominids walked with a gait equivalent to that of modern humans (e.g.…”

Section: Schmitt 1438mentioning

confidence: 82%

Insights into the evolution of human bipedalism from experimental studies of humans and other primates

Schmitt

2003

Journal of Experimental Biology

251

146

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SUMMARYAn understanding of the evolution of human bipedalism can provide valuable insights into the biomechanical and physiological characteristics of locomotion in modern humans. The walking gaits of humans, other bipeds and most quadrupedal mammals can best be described by using an inverted-pendulum model, in which there is minimal change in flexion of the limb joints during stance phase. As a result, it seems logical that the evolution of bipedalism in humans involved a simple transition from a relatively stiff-legged quadrupedalism in a terrestrial ancestor to relatively stiff-legged bipedalism in early humans. However, experimental studies of locomotion in humans and nonhuman primates have shown that the evolution of bipedalism involved a much more complex series of transitions, originating with a relatively compliant form of quadrupedalism. These studies show that relatively compliant walking gaits allow primates to achieve fast walking speeds using long strides, low stride frequencies, relatively low peak vertical forces, and relatively high impact shock attenuation ratios. A relatively compliant, ape-like bipedal walking style is consistent with the anatomy of early hominids and may have been an effective gait for a small biped with relatively small and less stabilized joints, which had not yet completely forsaken arboreal locomotion. Laboratory-based studies of primates also suggest that human bipedalism arose not from a terrestrial ancestor but rather from a climbing, arboreal forerunner. Experimental data, in conjunction with anatomical data on early human ancestors, show clearly that a relatively stiff modern human gait and associated physiological and anatomical adaptations are not primitive retentions from a primate ancestor, but are instead recently acquired characters of our genus.

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“…160 The shift of the transverse processes allowed the longissimus muscles to become major lateral flexor and extension muscles of the spine, necessary for rotating the pelvis and maintaining balance during bipedal walking, 60 and limited the role of the erector spinae muscles to resisting forward flexion. 166 The second change was the loss of the styloid processes. The loss of the styloid processes facilitated a larger range of motion (ROM) in the hominin spine, allowing for adoption of a variety of postures.…”

Section: Structural Evolution In the Lumbar Spinementioning

confidence: 99%

Etiology of lumbar lordosis and its pathophysiology: a review of the evolution of lumbar lordosis, and the mechanics and biology of lumbar degeneration

Sparrey

Bailey

Safaee

et al. 2014

FOC

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The goal of this review is to discuss the mechanisms of postural degeneration, particularly the loss of lumbar lordosis commonly observed in the elderly in the context of evolution, mechanical, and biological studies of the human spine and to synthesize recent research findings to clinical management of postural malalignment. Lumbar lordosis is unique to the human spine and is necessary to facilitate our upright posture. However, decreased lumbar lordosis and increased thoracic kyphosis are hallmarks of an aging human spinal column. The unique upright posture and lordotic lumbar curvature of the human spine suggest that an understanding of the evolution of the human spinal column, and the unique anatomical features that support lumbar lordosis may provide insight into spine health and degeneration. Considering evolution of the skeleton in isolation from other scientific studies provides a limited picture for clinicians. The evolution and development of human lumbar lordosis highlight the interdependence of pelvic structure and lumbar lordosis. Studies of fossils of human lineage demonstrate a convergence on the degree of lumbar lordosis and the number of lumbar vertebrae in modern Homo sapiens. Evolution and spine mechanics research show that lumbar lordosis is dictated by pelvic incidence, spinal musculature, vertebral wedging, and disc health. The evolution, mechanics, and biology research all point to the importance of spinal posture and flexibility in supporting optimal health. However, surgical management of postural deformity has focused on restoring posture at the expense of flexibility. It is possible that the need for complex and costly spinal fixation can be eliminated by developing tools for early identification of patients at risk for postural deformities through patient history (genetics, mechanics, and environmental exposure) and tracking postural changes over time.

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Comparative morphometric study of the australopithecine vertebral series Stw-H8/H41

Cited by 97 publications

References 102 publications

Fetal load and the evolution of lumbar lordosis in bipedal hominins

Fetal load and the evolution of lumbar lordosis in bipedal hominins

Insights into the evolution of human bipedalism from experimental studies of humans and other primates

Etiology of lumbar lordosis and its pathophysiology: a review of the evolution of lumbar lordosis, and the mechanics and biology of lumbar degeneration

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