The quadrupedal walking gait of the olive baboon, Papio anubis: an exploratory study integrating kinematics and EMG

Abstract

Primates exhibit unusual quadrupedal features (e.g. diagonal gaits, compliant walk) compared with other quadrupedal mammals. Their origin and diversification in arboreal habitats have certainly shaped the mechanics of their walking pattern to meet the functional requirements necessary for balance control in unstable and discontinuous environments. In turn, the requirements for mechanical stability probably conflict with mechanical energy exchange. In order to investigate these aspects, we conducted an integrative study on quadrupedal walking in the olive baboon (Papio anubis) at the Primatology station of the CNRS in France. Based on kinematics, we describe the centre of mass mechanics of the normal quadrupedal gait performed on the ground, as well as in different gait and substrate contexts. In addition, we studied the muscular activity of six hindlimb muscles using non-invasive surface probes. Our results show that baboons can rely on an inverted pendulum-like exchange of energy (57% on average, with a maximal observed value of 84%) when walking slowly (<0.9 m s−1) with a tight limb phase (∼55%) on the ground using diagonal sequence gaits. In this context, the muscular activity is similar to that of other quadrupedal mammals, thus reflecting the primary functions of the muscles for limb movement and support. In contrast, walking on a suspended branch generates kinematic and muscular adjustments to ensure better control and to maintain stability. Finally, walking using the lateral sequence gait increases muscular effort and reduces the potential for high recovery rates. The present exploratory study thus supports the assumption that primates are able to make use of an inverted pendulum mechanism on the ground using a diagonal walking gait, yet a different footfall pattern and substrate appear to influence muscular effort and efficiency.

Development of bipedal walking in olive baboons, Papio anubis: A kinematic analysis

“…In the context of the present study, we have worked on the platform for biomechanics (motion analysis of primates, MAP) that is permanently installed in an outdoor enclosure and includes various devices, such as a multi‐camera recording setup, force plates and EMG‐equipment (for details see Berillon et al, 2011; Druelle et al, 2021). The present work is part of a large ongoing project contributing to our knowledge about walking skills in nonhuman primates (Anvari et al, 2014; Berillon et al, 2010; Druelle, et al, 2017; Druelle et al, 2021). The collection of the new data was performed during opportunistic recordings on the technical platform between December of 2010 and August of 2012.…”

From such great heights: The effects of substrate height and the perception of risk on lemur locomotor mechanics

“…Strides with more tripedal and quadrupedal stances should be less efficient than strides where paired limb stances predominate (Griffin et al, 2004). Studies in baboons ( Papio anubis ) and chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii ) indicate that maneuverability and efficiency are traded for stability when moving from terrestrial to arboreal substrates (Druelle et al, 2021; Pontzer & Wrangham, 2004). Even the much smaller squirrel monkey ( Saimiri sciureus ) has been shown to make adjustments to limb phase to increase stability on more precarious substrates (Miller et al, 2019).…”

Do femoral biomechanical properties follow locomotor changes in primates? An ontogenetic study of olive baboons (Papio anubis)

“…Concerning the muscles, the cortical thickness maps (Figure 6) Wood, 1973). These muscles control the sagittal movements of the thigh and the trunk, but also the mediolateral balance of the body, which appears to be a major requirement during the diagonal sequence, the main modality of quadrupedal gait in baboons (Shapiro & Raichlen, 2006, Druelle et al, 2021.…”