ABSTRACT The Russian bar is an acrobatic circus discipline characterised by dynamic loading on a single shoulder, posing a risk for back injuries. The aim of this case study was to quantify and compare lumbar spine loads in porters using a novel symmetrical design and the traditional asymmetrical bar. Two male porters and one female flyer performed a series of candle jumps, saltos, and consecutive jumps using both bar designs. Motion capture, electromyography, and musculoskeletal modelling in OpenSim were used to quantify L4-L5 intervertebral forces and moments. Statistical comparisons were conducted using a multifactorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the symmetrical bar significantly reduced lumbar spine bending moments (2.1 times lower) and shear forces (2.2 times lower) compared to the traditional bar, with no significant differences in shoulder forces. Shoulder forces did not differ significantly between bar types, suggesting that the flyer’s performance, particularly jump height, was not substantially affected by the change in bar design. This novel symmetric bar design may enhance the safety and carrier of Russian bar porters. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of this design and its impact on performance adaptation.

In this article, we consider the feasibility of mimicking the sprawling gait of a live varanid ( Varanus salvator ) using a necrobot (named: Pak Biawak), a robot constructed using the skeletal parts of a deceased varanid of the same species. Pak Biawak is manufactured using simple joints and components, and limb motion is coupled to passive spine bending to enable the sprawling gait. Here, we assess both the lateral and dorsal kinematics of Pak Biawak at different speeds and compare the metrics from each to those of a similarly sized live varanid. When assessing lateral view shape metrics (stride aspect ratio, stride circularity, normalised stride swept area and normalised stride swept area perimeter), we find that Pak Biawak's gait is consistent across all speeds and the majority of Pak Biawak's lateral shape metrics are kinematically aligned with those of the live varanid. This also proves true when comparing Pak Biawak's lateral trajectory metrics (radial distance of swept area and normalised root mean squared error) against those of the live varanid and at different speeds of sprawling. Pak Biawak's dorsal metrics include the spine bending amplitude and period, and these are not found to be significantly different to those of the live varanid; however, Pak Biawak's amplitude is affected by sprawling speed. We use three metrics to compare forward and reverse limb sweeps including, angular curvature, differential curvature and a normalised arc length. Of these, a preponderance of highly significant differences ( p ≤ 0.001) is observed on comparing the forward sweep arc length of Pak Biawak at every sprawling speed against the forward sweep arc length of the live lizard. All other kinematic metrics in the necrobot are nevertheless very close to those of the live lizard. Finally, when comparing the trackway width of Pak Biawak against the live lizard, we again find there is very close kinematic compatibility between the two and conclude that our necrobot can be designed and manufactured to mimic the sprawling gait of a real varanid, even when using simple kinematic linkages in unison with a passive spine bending differential applied at only one central location in the necrobot spine.

Understanding the relative contribution of each cervical motion segment is vital for assessing the effect of fusion constructs on range of motion (ROM). Many spine surgeons are familiar with the work of Panjabi and White, from which these values have historically been cited. However, their data were obtained from a limited number of subjects, and methodological shortcomings have since been identified. In this study, the authors sought to improve understanding of segmental ROM using data from standardized biomechanical tests involving a large number of intact cervical spine specimens. Flexibility data from 1009 cervical spine motion segments from 286 cadaveric spine specimens spanning the occiput (Occ)-T1 were analyzed. Specimens were subjected to standardized pure moment flexibility tests and loaded to 1.5 Nm in 3 anatomical axes: flexion-extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending. Intervertebral ROM was measured optoelectronically. Hypothetical ROM values of various fusion constructs were calculated, assuming complete loss of segmental ROM across treated segments and lack of compensatory changes in ROM for unfused segments. The overall mean ROM values for the entire cervical spine (Occ-T1) in flexion-extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending were 109.8°, 79.3°, and 37.7°, respectively. The greatest segmental contribution to flexion-extension ROM was the Occ-C1 joint (24% of overall ROM) at a mean (SD) of 26.4° (6.4°), which differed significantly from the values of all other levels (p < 0.001). In axial rotation, C1-2 contributed 53% of overall ROM (41.6° [14.7°]) (all p < 0.001). C3-4 accounted for 16% of lateral bending ROM (5.9° [1.9°]). Cervical ROM after hypothetical Occ-C2 fusion was 59% of the ROM of the unfused spine in flexion-extension, 36% in axial rotation, and 76% in lateral bending. Fusion from C2 to T1 maintained 41% of ROM in flexion-extension, 64% in axial rotation, and 24% in lateral bending. Increasing the length of a subaxial fusion construct leads to a steady decrease in the remaining ROM in all 3 planes of movement. This study demonstrates the segmental ROM values of the intact cervical spine and evaluates the calculated effects of cervical instrumentation on regional ROM based on data from the largest reported number of similarly tested cervical motion segments. These findings can help surgeons to plan surgery and counsel patients regarding the clinical effect of cervical fusion on ROM.

The lumbar intervertebral disc exhibits a complex physiological structure with interactions between various segments, and its components are extremely complex. The material properties of different components in the lumbar intervertebral disc, especially the water content (undergoing dynamic change as influenced by age, degeneration, mechanical loading, and proteoglycan content) - critically determine its mechanical properties. When the lumbar intervertebral disc is under continuous pressure, water seeps out, and after the pressure is removed, water re-infiltrates. This dynamic fluid exchange process directly affects the mechanical properties of the lumbar intervertebral disc, while previous isotropic modeling methods have been unable to accurately reflect such solid-liquid phase behaviors. To explore the load-bearing mechanism of the lumbar intervertebral disc and establish a more realistic mechanical model of the lumbar intervertebral disc, this study developed a solid-liquid biphasic, fiber-reinforced finite element model. This model was used to simulate the four movements of the human lumbar spine in daily life, namely flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending. The fluid pressure, effective solid stress, and liquid pressure-bearing ratio of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus of different lumbar intervertebral discs were compared and analyzed under the movements. Under all the movements, the fluid pressure distribution was closer to the nucleus pulposus, while the effective solid stress distribution was more concentrated in the outer annulus fibrosus. In terms of fluid pressure, the maximum fluid pressure of the lumbar intervertebral disc during lateral bending was 1.95 MPa, significantly higher than the maximum fluid pressure under other movements. Meanwhile, the maximum effective solid stress of the lumbar intervertebral disc during flexion was 2.43 MPa, markedly higher than the maximum effective solid stress under other movements. Overall, the liquid pressure-bearing ratio under axial rotation was smaller than that under other movements. Based on the solid-liquid biphasic modeling method, this study more accurately revealed the dominant role of the liquid phase in the daily load-bearing process of the lumbar intervertebral disc and the solid-phase mechanical mechanism of the annulus fibrosus load-bearing, and more effectively predicted the solid-liquid phase co-load-bearing mechanism of the lumbar intervertebral disc in daily life.

Purpose Scoliosis is a widespread musculoskeletal disorder of bending and twisting of spine. In this, spine curves to the side and in severe cases it can twist and take several bends. For the diagnosis and treatment of scoliotic patients, the Cobb’s angle is a critical marker of the body’s curvature. Early detection and proper treatment of scoliosis help individuals maintain a higher quality of life. There are many researches that have been conducted to automate the manual measurement of the angle and every investigation has their own limitations. Approach This paper presents a method for precisely measuring the Cobb’s angle using deep learning based techniques. Mainly it comprises of feature enhancement of augmented dataset, a bespoke code for landmark estimation on the spine, segmentation model based on the U-Net architecture and a custom code for Cobb’s angle measurement. These measured angles are compared to the given angles for the segmentation on X-ray images. Results The proposed technique offers an automated way for precisely measuring this angle with an overall accuracy of 97 % and Root Mean Square Error of 4.99 , which can lower the variability, facilitate early detection, accurate diagnosis, and monitoring of scoliosis progression. Additionally, it aids in the treatment planning and evaluating treatment outcomes. Conclusion The combination of deep learning techniques, accurate landmark estimation, and segmentation has enabled to develop an automated system that can consistently and objectively measure the Cobb’s angle with high accuracy. Healthcare professionals can enhance the quality of care and can improve long-term outcomes for individuals with scoliosis using this method.

This study introduces a novel gravity-driven air-liquid interface flexible sensor (GALIFS) for detecting human motions. GALIFS leverages gravity-induced liquid flow to generate angle-dependent electrical signals, eliminating the need for material deformation (e.g., stretching or compression) during operation. Unlike conventional inertial sensors (limited by rigid designs causing discomfort) or existing flexible sensors (reliant on stress-induced signals and high material durability), GALIFS overcomes these constraints through its unique gravity-driven mechanism. Furthermore, GALIFS operates without requiring perfect skin adhesion, significantly enhancing user comfort. GALIFS achieves a wide angular detection range (0°-180°) with high stability (over 16000 cycles). Additionally, it can identify a diverse range of human motions, including neck bending, spine bending, squatting, jumping, walking, and running. A real-time lying posture monitoring system for bedridden patients is further developed, showcasing its medical potential. Following successful mitigation of liquid evaporation issues, GALIFS may have significant potential for applications in various scenarios, including medical rehabilitation and sports training.

Objectives In vehicle frontal impacts, pelvis rotation is a crucial factor in submarining, where the lap belt slips off the pelvis and intrudes into the abdomen. Submarining can occur even when the lap belt engages the pelvis due to pelvis rotation. This study aims to establish an analytical method to evaluate the forces and moments acting on the pelvis of dummies during frontal impacts and to identify factors influencing pelvis rotation. Methods Finite element simulations were conducted using dummies (Hybrid III 50 M, 5 F, and THOR 50 M, 5 F) restrained with a 3-point standard seat belt in the rear seat during a frontal impact at 50 km/h. The pelvis of the dummy was divided into anatomical regions. Based on Euler’s equation, moments around the pelvis’s center of gravity (COG) were calculated based on contact forces in each pelvis region and joint force (lumbar spine and hip joint). Results The angular acceleration and moment of the pelvis were consistent with Euler’s equations, confirming the accuracy of this moment calculation method. Factors promoting rearward pelvis rotation included femur force, lap belt force, and lumbar spine force, while factors reducing pelvis rearward rotation included lumbar spine bending moment and seat cushion force. These factors varied among dummies due to differences in pelvis shape and lumbar spine stiffness. The rearward rotation of the pelvis in the Hybrid III was small because the lap belt path was close to the pelvis COG; in the THOR, however, rearward rotation was greater because the lap belt path was further from the pelvis COG, and the ischium force reducing the rearward rotation was smaller. Conclusions This study proposes an analytical approach to understanding pelvis rotation in dummies. This method allows for evaluating various factors influencing pelvis rotation over time, including dummy design and restraint systems, to prevent pelvis rearward rotation and submarining.

Prediction of vertebral failure under general loadings of compression, flexion, extension, and side-bending.

BackgroundFew studies have assessed the participation of the spine in arm elevation. The primary aim of this exploratory study was to specify spinal movements during unilateral arm elevation.MethodsWe used an EOS imaging system to assess 2D global posture (Sagittal Vertical Axis [SVA], T1 and T9 tilt and Central Sacral Line [CSL]) and segmental spine curves (C3-C7 in the sagittal plane only, and T1-T6, T7-T12 and L1-L5 in the sagittal and frontal planes) for four different left arm elevation levels: in the sagittal (Sa) plane (30°Sa: reference position, 140°Sa and 180°Sa), and in the scapular (Sc) plane (180°Sc), in ten right-handed asymptomatic participants (5 women; mean age 24.6 SD 3.0 years]. In addition, we estimated C1, head and pelvic orientation and head and pelvic linear displacement. We used Bayesian statistics (BF10 > 3 indicates a significant variation: moderate, strong, very strong or extreme evidence).ResultsFrom 140°Sa to 180°Sa or Sc, the significant decrease in SVA and the T1-T9 tilt angles indicated a global backward spine bending (moderate to very strong evidence). The significant reversal of the C3-C7 lordosis at 30°Sa (-1.34 [2.53]°) to kyphosis at 180°Sa (13.88 [3.53]°, strong evidence) and 180°Sc (11.85 [2.75]°, extreme evidence) and the significant decrease in the T7-T12 kyphosis (26.58 [2.84]°at 30°Sa to 16.40 [2.65]° at 180°Sa and 17.60 [2.78]° at 180°Sc [all extreme evidence]) showed a global spine straightening. We found significant pelvic anteversion between 30°Sa and 140°Sa (moderate evidence) and persistent right spine bending and leftward head displacement (extreme evidence). The change in C1 orientation (extreme evidence) showed an atlanto-occipital extension.ConclusionSimple unconstrained movements of unilateral arm elevation involve the whole spine, pelvis and head, including significant backward spinal bending, a reduction in the low cervical spine lordosis and the thoracic kyphosis, and atlanto-occipital extension.

This study aims to conduct a finite element analysis (FEA) to assess the bio-mechanical properties of C2 sagittal-parallel pedicle screw (PPS) in fixation for atlantoaxial instability, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for its clinical application. A total of 5 intact C1-2 finite element models were established. Based on this, instability models were developed and two different fixation methods were applied for each model: C1 lateral mass screw (LMS) combined with C2 sagittal-parallel pedicle screw (C1LMS + C2PPS), and C1 lateral mass screw combined with C2 traditional pedicle screw (C1LMS + C2PS). Under a physiological load of 40N, a pure moment of 1.5 Nm was used to simulate movements of the cervical spine in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The von Mises stress of implants and the segment range of motion (ROM) were analyzed and compared statistically. The intact model was validated and showed good consistency with other studies in terms of range of motion (ROM). In flexion and extension, the C1LMS + C2PPS resulted in lower segment ROM (12.4% and 6.3% decrease) and stress concentration (15.9% decrease in flexion) compared to C1LMS + C2PS. However, in lateral bending and axial rotation, the C1LMS + C2PPS exhibited higher segment ROM (42.9% and 5.9% increase) and stress concentration (8.7% and 21.4% increase) compared to C1LMS + C2PS. Both methods were safe and stable for the fixation of atlantoaxial instability. Compared to C1LMS + C2PS, the use of C1LMS + C2PPS may provide better stability and a lower risk of implant failure in flexion and extension. Clinically, it is feasible to utilize the C2 sagittal-parallel pedicle screw in fixing atlantoaxial instability.

BACKGROUND: Scoliosis is a widespread musculoskeletal disorder of bending and twisting of spine. In this medical ailment, spine curves to the side and even in severe cases it can twist and can take several bends. For the diagnosis and treatment of scoliotic patients, the Cobb&amp;rsquo;s angle is a critical marker of the body&amp;rsquo;s curvature. OBJECTIVE: There are many researches that have been conducted to automate the manual measurement of the angle and every investigation has their own limita- tions. METHODS: This paper presents a method for precisely measuring the Cobb&amp;rsquo;s an- gle using deep learning based techniques. Mainly it comprises of feature enhance- ment of augmented dataset, a bespoke code for landmark estimation on the spine, segmentation model based on the U-Net architecture and a custom code for Cobb&amp;rsquo;s angle measurement. These measured angles are then compared to the given angles for the segmentation on biomedical (X-ray) images. RESULTS: The findings demonstrate that the proposed technique offers an auto- mated and impartial way for precisely measuring this angle with an overall accu- racy of 97% and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 4.99, which can lower the variability, facilitate early detection, accurate diagnosis, and monitoring of scolio- sis progression. Additionally, it aids in the treatment planning and evaluating treat- ment outcomes. CONTRIBUTION: By leveraging the applications of Cobb&amp;rsquo;s angle measurement, healthcare professionals can enhance the quality of care and can improve long-term outcomes for individuals with scoliosis.

Influence of muscle soft tissue and lower limbs on the vibration behavior of the entire spine inside the seated human body: A finite element study.

For decades, it has been difficult for small-scale legged robots to conquer challenging environments. To solve this problem, we propose the introduction of a bioinspired soft spine into a small-scale legged robot. By capturing the motion mechanism of rat erector spinae muscles and vertebrae, we designed a cable-driven centrally symmetric soft spine under limited volume and integrated it into our previous robotic rat SQuRo. We called this newly updated robot SQuRo-S. Because of the coupling compliant spine bending and leg locomotion, the environmental adaptability of SQuRo-S significantly improved. We conducted a series of experiments on challenging environments to verify the performance of SQuRo-S. The results demonstrated that SQuRo-S crossed an obstacle of 1.07 body height, thereby outperforming most small-scale legged robots. Remarkably, SQuRo-S traversed a narrow space of 0.86 body width. To the best of our knowledge, SQuRo-S is the first quadruped robot of this scale that is capable of traversing a narrow space with a width smaller than its own width. Moreover, SQuRo-S demonstrated stable walking on mud-sand, pipes, and slopes (20°), and resisted strong external impact and repositioned itself in various body postures. This work provides a new paradigm for enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of small-scale legged robots with spine in challenging environments, and can be easily generalized to the design and development of legged robots with spine of different scales.

Low-back pain often coincides with altered neuromuscular control, possibly due to changes in spine stability resulting from injury or degeneration, or due to effects of nociception. The relative importance of these mechanisms, and their possible interaction, are unknown. In spine bending, the bulk of the load is borne by the IVD, yet the acute effects of intervertebral disc (IVD) injury on bending mechanics have not been investigated. In the present study, we aimed to quantify the acute effects of a stab lesion of the disc on its mechanical properties, because such changes can be expected to elicit compensatory changes in neuromuscular control. L4/L5 spinal segments were collected from 27 Wistar rats within two hours after sacrifice and stored at −20℃. Following thawing, bending tests were performed to assess the intersegmental angle-moment characteristics. Specimens were loaded in right bending, left bending and flexion, before and after a stab lesion of the IVD fully penetrating the nucleus pulposus. In the angle-moment curves, we found reduced moments at equal bending angles after IVD lesion in left bending, right bending and flexion. Peak stiffness, peak moment, and hysteresis were significantly decreased (by 7.8–27.7 %) after IVD lesion in all directions. In conclusion, L4/L5 IVD lesion in the rat caused small to moderate acute changes in IVD mechanical properties. Our next steps will be to evaluate the longer term effects of IVD lesion on spine mechanics and the neural control of trunk muscles.

Skin-adhesive lignin-grafted-polyacrylamide/hydroxypropyl cellulose hydrogel sensor for real-time cervical spine bending monitoring in human-machine Interface

Objective The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of axial compression, employed with a follower-load mechanism, on the response of the lumbar spine in flexion and extension bending. Additional goals include measurement of both the kinetic (stiffness) and kinematic (deformation distribution) responses, evaluating how the responses vary across specimens, and to develop response corridors that can be used to evaluate human body models (HBMs) and anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs). Methods Seven mid-sized male adult lumbar spines (T12-S1) from postmortem human surrogates were tested in subinjurious flexion and extension bending with 0, 900, and 1800 N of superimposed axial compression. Tests were performed in load-control with a 6-DOF robotic test system that applied pure flexion and extension moments to the specimens, and axial compression was directed along the spine’s curvature via a follower load mechanism powered by force-controlled linear actuators. Load-deformation response data were captured and used to characterize the kinetic response of the lumbar spine in flexion/extension, and how it varies with axial compression. Individual vertebral kinematics were captured using 3D motion capture and the data was used to illustrate the distribution of bending deformation across each intervertebral joint of the spine, as well has how that distribution changes with axial compression. These response data were used to develop elliptical path-length parameterized response corridors for surrogate biofidelity evaluation. Results The lumbar spine was found to be generally stiffer in extension than in flexion, but this difference decreased with increasing axial compression. The lumbar spine exhibited a nonlinear kinetic (moment vs. angle) response in flexion that became more linear and stiffer with the addition of axial compression. In flexion without axial load, the majority of the bending deformation occurred at the L5-S1 joint, whereas in extension, deformation was more evenly distributed across the different intervertebral levels, but the locus of deformation was located in the mid-proximal lumbar at L2-L3. Conclusions The superposition of axial compression in the lumbar spine affects the kinetic and kinematic response of the lumbar spine in flexion and extension. The response data and approach detailed in this study permit better assessment of ATD and HBM biofidelity.

Background: Neck pain has become increasingly common in families and individuals. Due to prolong bending of cervical spine the following structure are compromised shoulders , scapular, thoracic spine that leads to flexion deformity of upper segment and extension deformity of lower cervical spine. The overuse of the muscles causes muscular imbalances.&#x0D; Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the comparative effectiveness of manual therapy versus electrotherapy in patients with neck pain due to poor posture.&#x0D; Methodology: The data was collected from different Physiotherapy Clinics of Lahore. The study was completed in four months after the approval. The sample size was 40 participants. The participant’s male and females patients, age range 18-45 years. Numeric Pain rating score of 3 from last 3 months with forward head posture were included. In group a manual therapy (Post-isometric stretching, Jones technique) were used. .A portable digital TENS model BE-660 was used with frequency 80Hz, intensity level 6(strong but comfortable) in Group B. Outcome was assessed using Numeric pain rating, Goniometry and Neck disability index (NDI). The data was analyzed using SPSS Version 16. Paired t test and independent sample t test was used for within and between group analysis.&#x0D; Results: In group A 6(30%) were underweight and 2(10%) were overweight whereas in group B 10(50%) were under weight and 1(5%) was obese with a mean age of 29.5±8.23. This study showed that study variables were not statistically significant at the time of baseline. In both groups, pre post mean difference of pain, neck disability index, neck flexion (and neck extension was statistically significant. The mean value of pain and neck disability index of both groups were statistically significant at the end of study&#x0D; Conclusion: The current study shown that both treatment strategies including manual therapy and electrotherapy play a significant role in treating the patients with chronic neck pain due to poor posture.&#x0D; Key words: Manual therapy, Electrotherapy, Patients, Neck pain, Posture, Exercise, Neck disability, Range of Motion

High flexibility and wide sensing range human health monitoring sensors based on Ti3C2Tx MXene/CNTs/WPU/CNFs composite ink film

Percutaneous cement discoplasty (PCD) is used to treat patients with low back and leg pain due to the intervertebral disc vacuum phenomena. Whether PCD can restore lumbar spinal stability remains unknown. The purpose of our in vitro study was to evaluate the biomechanical changes brought about by PCD. Eight fresh pig lumbar spines were tested in the following order: intact, after nucleotomy, and after discoplasty. Flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation were induced by pure moments. The range of motion and neutral zone were recorded. A CT scan was performed to assess the injection volume of the bone cement and to observe whether the bone cement was fractured. After removing the facet joint, a compression failure test was conducted to observe the fracture of bone cement. Compared with nucleotomy, range of motion (ROM) after discoplasty was reduced only in lateral flexion (P < 0.05). The results of the neutral zone showed that the neutral zones in flexion-extension and lateral bending were significantly reduced after discoplasty (P < 0.05). The neutral zone was more sensitive to changes in lumbar stability than ROM. Bone cement slides were observed during the biomechanical test. The CT scan and compression failure test showed that bone cement fracture was more likely to occur at the puncture channel in the annulus fibrosus region. In all, the biomechanical study indicates that discoplasty helps enhance the stability of the lumbar spine in flexion-extension and lateral bending, which explains how PCD works for low back pain. Fractures and sliding of bone cement were observed after discoplasty, and this was more likely to occur at the puncture channel in the annulus fibrosus region. This suggests that bone cement displacement after PCD may cause nerve compression.

Therian mammals are known to move their forelimbs in a parasagittal plane, retracting the mobilised scapula during stance phase. Non-cursorial therian mammals often abduct the elbow out of the shoulder-hip parasagittal plane. This is especially prominent in Tamandua (Xenarthra), which suggests they employ aspects of sprawling (e.g. lizard-like) locomotion. Here, we tested whether tamanduas use sprawling forelimb kinematics, i.e. a largely immobile scapula with pronounced lateral spine bending and long-axis rotation of the humerus. We analysed high-speed videos and used X-ray motion analysis of tamanduas walking and balancing on branches of varying inclinations and provide a quantitative characterization of gaits and forelimb kinematics. Tamanduas displayed lateral sequence/lateral couplets on flat ground and horizontal branches, but increased diagonality on steeper inclines and declines, resulting in lateral sequence/diagonal couplets gaits. This result provides further evidence for high diagonality in arboreal species, probably maximising stability in arboreal environments. Further, the results reveal a mosaic of sprawling and parasagittal kinematic characteristics. The abducted elbow results from a constantly internally rotated scapula about its long axis and a retracted humerus. Scapula retraction contributes considerably to stride length. However, lateral rotation in the pectoral region of the spine (range: 21deg) is higher than reported for other therian mammals. Instead, it is similar to that of skinks and alligators, indicating an aspect generally associated with sprawling locomotion is characteristic for forelimb kinematics of tamanduas. Our study contributes to a growing body of evidence of highly variable non-cursorial therian mammal locomotor kinematics.