Welcome
The Hominin Movement Lab is located in the Department of Anthropology at the University at Buffalo, and is focused on how humans evolved to walk and run with great endurance and economy in a remarkably diverse range of environments. Our core research questions are:
To address these questions we use an array of field- and lab-based approaches to study the biomechanics of walking and running in humans and non-human primates. Methods include 3-D motion capture, ground reaction force analysis, and ultrasound imaging. We study humans in both industrialized and non-industrialized societies, and focus on topics ranging from the early evolution of bipedalism to modern footwear design.
- How did our species' evolutionary history result in our unique and versatile form of bipedal locomotion?
- What are the consequences of this process for musculoskeletal health in modern societies?
To address these questions we use an array of field- and lab-based approaches to study the biomechanics of walking and running in humans and non-human primates. Methods include 3-D motion capture, ground reaction force analysis, and ultrasound imaging. We study humans in both industrialized and non-industrialized societies, and focus on topics ranging from the early evolution of bipedalism to modern footwear design.