Research Kristiaan D'Aout

Abstract

The technique of finite-element modeling will be applied to a complex biological structure: the human foot. After construction of the morphological model, and assigning relevant mechanical properties, the stress on internal foot structures will be evaluated, based on externally imposed loading regimes (forces and plantar pressures) known from our own previous work.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: D'Aout Kristiaan

Research team(s)

• Functional Morphology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In the literature it has been shown that gibbons are able to brachiate with very low mechanical costs on a horizontal, rigid substrate. They do this by pendular movements, where potential and kinetic energy are exchanged to create an optimum energy conservation. Moreover they must minimize their collisional energy losses by ensuring that the passage between two movements happens smoothly without abrupt change in the path of body center of mass. Although the animals appear to succeed to do this in uniform, predictable experimental circumstances, this can not offer a thorough insight in the degree of coordination and control which these animals might show in their habitual, more complex, surroundings. In this research it will be assessed, by means of a gradually increased degree of complexity, what the impact is of compliance of branches and their heterogeneous spacing on the mechanical costs of brachiation and whether and how kinesiological adaptations are realised. Moreover it will be examined whether siamangs show a motor learning process or not. If a learning process would exist, we expect reduction of the mechanical costs after familiarisation to a specific set-up. To examine all this thoroughly, anatomical, kinematic and dynamic analysis are carried out.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Aerts Peter
• Co-promoter: D'Aout Kristiaan
• Co-promoter: Vereecke Evie
• Fellow: Michilsens Fana

Research team(s)

• Functional Morphology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: D'Aout Kristiaan

Research team(s)

• Functional Morphology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Current knowledge of human foot function is based on Western subjects, even though there are strong indications that foot anatomy (and likely foot function) is strongly influenced by habitually wearing shoes. The proposed study will evaluate foot function in a habitually barefoot population by means of pedobarography. The results will initially be framed in a paleoanthropological context.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: D'Aout Kristiaan

Research team(s)

• Functional Morphology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

A kinematical, electromyographical and hydrodynamical analysis of Ambystoma swimming will be performed as well for the intact animal as during metamorphosis and tail regeneration. The experimental results will lead to an insight in the eventual adaptations to changing form-function relationships during an organism's life.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Vree Frits
• Fellow: D'Aout Kristiaan

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

A kinematical, electromyographical and hydrodynamical analysis of Ambystoma swimming will be performed as well for the intact animal as during metamorphosis and tail regeneration. The experimental results will lead to an insight in the eventual adaptations to changing form-function relationships during an organism's life.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Vree Frits
• Fellow: D'Aout Kristiaan

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

A kinematical, electromyographical and hydrodynamical analysis of Ambystoma swimming will be performed as well for the intact animal as during metamorphosis and tail regeneration. The experimental results will lead to an insight in the eventual adaptations to changing form-function relationships during an organism's life.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Vree Frits
• Fellow: D'Aout Kristiaan

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project