The mechanisms of terrestrial locomotion are remarkably similar among very different animals, both advanced and conservative (primitive) (Cavagna et al., 1977; Heglund, this volume). During running, hopping, and trotting as well as galloping, locomotion takes place through a succession of "bounces" in which mechanical energy is stored and recovered thanks to the elastic properties of tendons and muscles. In most cases, the energy saved by elastic storage increases with the speed of running (Dawson and Taylor, 1973; Cavagna and Kaneko, 1977; Cavagna et al., 1977). This paper dis-cusses the roles of both muscles and tendons in elastic storage and recovery and why this storage increases with speed.
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