Limits to running speed in dogs, horses and humans.

Denny, MW

Abstract: Are there absolute limits to the speed at which animals can run? If so, how close are present-day individuals to these limits? I approach these questions by using three statistical models and data from competitive races to estimate maximum running speeds for greyhounds, thoroughbred horses and elite human athletes. In each case, an absolute speed limit is definable, and the current record approaches that predicted maximum. While all such extrapolations must be used cautiously, these data suggest that there are limits to the ability of either natural or artificial selection to produce ever faster dogs, horses and humans. Quantification of the limits to running speed may aid in formulating and testing models of locomotion.

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Publication Date: 2008-12-02 PubMed ID: 19043056DOI: 10.1242/jeb.024968Google Scholar: Lookup

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Summary

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The research paper discusses the limits to running speed in dogs, horses, and humans by exploring statistical models and data from competitive races. It concludes that there is a maximum speed limit to each species and that modern individuals are nearing these predicted limits.

Understanding Running Speed Limits

The research questions the existence of absolute running speed limits in different species – dogs, horses, and humans. To answer this, the author uses statistical models and data accumulated from competitive races.
The author’s approach involves the application of three distinct statistical models to determine the maximum running speeds for these groups, namely greyhounds, thoroughbred horses, and elite human athletes.

Record Speed and Absolute Speed Limit

The data shows that for each case, an absolute speed limit exists. This indicates that there is a top speed that can be reached by these species, past which it is theoretically impossible to go.
The current record speeds for these species are shown to be very close to the predicted maximum speeds. This suggests that modern animals and humans, whether through natural or artificially-induced methods, are already nearing the peak of their speed potential.

Implications of the Research

The author indicates a level of caution in interpreting these results since scientific extrapolation should always be taken prudently. However, the findings propose an intriguing situation where evolution or artificial methods may not be able to continually increase the running speed of these species.
By providing a quantification of the limits to running speed, this research could aid in the formulation and testing of models of locomotion, thus potentially contributing to areas such as sports science, evolution studies and biomechanics.

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APA

Denny MW. (2008). Limits to running speed in dogs, horses and humans. J Exp Biol, 211(Pt 24), 3836-3849. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.024968

Publication

The Journal of experimental biology

ISSN: 0022-0949

NlmUniqueID: 0243705

Country: England

Language: English

Volume: 211

Issue: Pt 24

Pages: 3836-3849

Researcher Affiliations

Denny, Mark W

Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA. mwdenny@stanford.edu

MeSH Terms

Animals
Biomechanical Phenomena
Dogs / physiology
Horses / physiology
Humans
Models, Biological
Physical Exertion / physiology
Running / physiology

Citations

This article has been cited 17 times.

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