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Citation
Lieberman, Daniel E., David A. Raichlen, Herman Pontzer, Dennis M. Bramble, and Elizabeth
Cutright-Smith. 2006. The human gluteus maximus and its role in running. Journal of
Experimental Biology 209: 2143-2155.
Published Version
doi:10.1242/jeb.02255
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http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:3743645
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2143
The Journal of Experimental Biology 209, 2143-2155
Published by The Company of Biologists 2006
doi:10.1242/jeb.02255
Summary
The human gluteus maximus is a distinctive muscle in side and to decelerate the swing leg; contractions of the
terms of size, anatomy and function compared to apes and stance-side gluteus maximus may also help to control
other non-human primates. Here we employ flexion of the hip and to extend the thigh. Evidence for
electromyographic and kinematic analyses of human when the gluteus maximus became enlarged in human
subjects to test the hypothesis that the human gluteus evolution is equivocal, but the muscle’s minimal functional
maximus plays a more important role in running than role during walking supports the hypothesis that
walking. The results indicate that the gluteus maximus is enlargement of the gluteus maximus was likely important
mostly quiescent with low levels of activity during level in the evolution of hominid running capabilities.
and uphill walking, but increases substantially in activity
and alters its timing with respect to speed during running.
The major functions of the gluteus maximus during Key words: gluteus maximus, running, walking, locomotion,
running are to control flexion of the trunk on the stance- biomechanics, stabilization, human.
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