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Science (New York, N.Y.)1974; 186(4169); 1112-1113; doi: 10.1126/science.186.4169.1112

Scaling stride frequency and gait to animal size: mice to horses.

Abstract: The stride frequency at which animals of different size change from one gait to another (walk, trot, gallop) changes in a regular manner with body mass. The speed at the transition from trot to gallop can be used as an equivalent speed for comparing animals of different size. This transition point occurs at lower speeds and higher stride frequencies in smaller animals. Plotting stride frequency at the trot-gallop transition point as a function of body mass in logarithmic coordinates yields a straight line.
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Publication Date: 1974-12-20 PubMed ID: 4469699DOI: 10.1126/science.186.4169.1112Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study investigates how the stride frequency and gait of animals change in relation to their body size, ranging from mice to horses. It found that smaller animals tend to transition from trot to gallop at lower speeds and higher stride frequencies compared to larger animals.

Objective of the Research

  • The research aims to understand how the stride frequency and gait of animals, particularly the transition from trot to gallop, is associated with their body size.

Methodology

  • Animals of varying sizes ranging from mice to horses were selected for the study.
  • The stride frequency at which these animals transitioned from walk to trot and from trot to gallop was closely monitored and recorded.
  • The speed at which this transition occurs was also analyzed.
  • Their transition points were plotted on a graph with stride frequency on one axis and body mass on the other, using logarithmic coordinates.

Findings

  • It was observed that smaller animals tend to shift from trot to gallop at lower speeds and higher stride frequencies in comparison to larger animals.
  • These transition points when plotted on logarithmic coordinates form a straight line, indicating a regular pattern in relationship to body mass.

Significance

  • The research highlighted a regular pattern, wherein the stride frequency and the speed at the trot-gallop transition point change in relation to the animal’s size.
  • These findings suggest that the gait of animals is intricately linked with their body mass and can serve as an efficient tool for comparing different animal species.

Cite This Article

APA
Heglund NC, Taylor CR, McMahon TA. (1974). Scaling stride frequency and gait to animal size: mice to horses. Science, 186(4169), 1112-1113. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.186.4169.1112

Publication

Science (New York, N.Y.)
ISSN: 0036-8075
NlmUniqueID: 0404511
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 186
Issue: 4169
Pages: 1112-1113

Researcher Affiliations

Heglund, N C
    Taylor, C R
      McMahon, T A

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Body Weight
        • Dogs
        • Horses
        • Locomotion
        • Mice
        • Muscles / physiology
        • Rats
        • Time Factors

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