A eficiência mecânica da corrida (Eff) é considerada um preditor de desempenho para essa atividade, pois explica características referentes à biomecânica e ao metabolismo energético do corredor. A resposta dessa variável a partir da intervenção de um treinamento ainda tem sido pouco explorada pela literatura específica. Sabe-se que o treinamento combinado de força com resistência pode influenciar positivamente no desempenho da corrida. Com isso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar as respostas da Eff, economia e desempenho de corrida antes e após a inclusão de um treinamento de força máxima e força rápida de 8 semanas em corredores recreacionais. Foram selecionados 24 corredores recreacionais (19 homens, 5 mulheres), os quais foram divididos em 3 grupos submetidos a um treinamento de 8 semanas. O grupo FM, que adicionou o treinamento de força máxima ao treinamento de resistência (n = 8); grupo FR, que incluiu o treinamento de força rápida além do resistência (n = 9); e o grupo controle (C) que manteve somente o treinamento de resistência (n = 7). Os testes para variáveis biomecânicas e metabólicas foram realizados em uma esteira rolante. Para análise do desempenho, avaliou-se o tempo de prova em um circuito aberto de 5 km (t5km). A Eff foi avaliada em duas intensidades (60 - Eff60% - e 110% - Eff110% da velocidade do VO2máx). A Eff na maior intensidade foi definida de duas formas: assumindo componente anaeróbio (Eff110TOT), e desconsiderando a participação anaeróbia como fonte de energia (Eff110AER). Aplicou-se o teste de Shapiro-Wilk para verificar a normalidade dos dados. Utilizou-se um teste de ANOVA com medidas repetidas 3x2. Para os dados não paramétricos utilizou-se o teste de Friedman. Ocorrendo interação, aplicou-se o teste Post-Hoc de Tukey uma ANOVA One-Way. Em dados não paramétricos utilizou-se o teste Kruskal-Wallys. Além disso, o teste-T pareado foi utilizado para comparação intra grupos antes e após o programa de treinamento, em caso de dados não paramétricos, utilizou-se o teste de Wilcoxon. O tamanho do efeito foi calculado para as principais variáveis de desempenho. O alfa adotado foi de 5%. A Eff não apresentou diferenças significativas em nenhuma das intensidades e métodos calculados entre os grupos após 8 semanas de treinamento (p > 0,05). No entanto, apresentou um tamanho de efeito forte para FR (0,78) e moderado para FM (0,29) na Eff60%. Enquanto isso, tanto para Eff110AER, como para Eff110TOT, ambos os grupos FM e FR apresentaram tamanho de efeito moderado: FM = 0,44 e 0,34, respectivamente; FR = 0,26 e 0,30, respectivamente. O t5km apresentou diminuição significativa pré e pós-treinamento para os grupos FM e FR (p = 0,03 e p = 0,02, respectivamente). Para ECO, FR foi menor do que C (p < 0,01), e o grupo FM diminuiu a ECO após as 8 semanas de treinamento (p = 0,045). Eff não apresentou diferenças significativas nas diferentes intensidades nos grupos submetidos ao treinamento de força, o grupo FR e FM obtiveram um tamanho de efeito moderado-forte nessas respostas, que podem ser explicadas pela otimização de alguns parâmetros biomecânicos e metabólicos. O grupo FM incrementou a intensidade da vVO2máx e mesmo assim manteve o dispêndio metabólico, demonstrando um comportamento positivo na Eff. O grupo FR manteve a intensidade da vVO2máx, porém, otimizou suas variáveis biomecânicas, causando um aumento na potência mecânica, sem a necessidade do acréscimo no dispêndio metabólico. Os resultados provavelmente auxiliaram na melhora significativa apresentada em uma prova de 5 km para os grupos FM e FR após 8 semanas de treinamento. / The mechanical efficiency of running (Eff) is considered a predictor of performance this activity because explain biomechanics and energetics characteristics of runners. This variable has been little attention of the researches influenced by training program. It is known that combined strength and endurance training may be to influence positively in the running performance, through of metabolic and biomechanical responses. The objective of the present study was to compare two strength training programs in the Eff, running economy (ECO) and performance after 8 weeks of program training. 24 recreational runners were selected (males = 19; females = 5), and subdivided into three groups submitted to 8 weeks of training. The FM group, which added the maximal strength training to the endurance training (n = 8); FR group, which was submitted to the explosive strength training to the endurance training (n = 9); and C group, which performed endurance training only (n = 7). The tests for biomechanical and metabolic variables and to posterior Eff calculation were performed on treadmill. In addition, the performance was analyzed by the 5 km time in open field (t5km). The Eff was evaluated in two intensities (60% - Eff60% - and 110% of VO2máx velocity). At the higher intensity Eff was defined of two ways: with the presence (Eff110TOT) and the absence of anaerobic component (Eff110AER) as energy source. The Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to verify the data normality. The repeated measures ANOVA test (3x2) was used to detect interaction between group vs time factors. In non-parametric data, was used a Friedman test. If an interaction existed, Tukey’s Post-hoc test and one-way ANOVA were used. The Kruskal-Wallys test was utilized in non parametric cases. Furthermore, the paired Ttest was used to compare each group before and after the strength training program. Into nonparametric data was used the Wilcoxon test. The effect size was calculated to the main performance variables. The alpha adopted was 0.05. No significant changes were observed in Eff by intensities and methods calculated between the groups after 8 weeks of training (p > 0.05). However, FR group showed a stronger effect size (0.78) and FM group a moderated effect size (0.29) for Eff60%. Meanwhile, so much Eff110AER as Eff110TOT, both of groups FM and FR presented moderated effect size: FM = 0.44 and 0.34, respectively; FR = 0.26 and 0.30, respectively. The t5km showed significative decrease after training for the FM e FR groups (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). The ECO showed lower for FR than C group (p < 0,01), and the FM group decreased ECO after 8 weeks training (p = 0.045). Eff did not show significative differences in different intensities on the groups submitted to strength training, the FM and FR groups obtained a moderated-stronger effect size in this responses, which could be justified by the optimization of biomechanical and metabolic parameters in such intensity. Thus, the FM group increased the vVO2máx intensity and still remained the energy expenditure, showing a improve behavior in Eff. Moreover, the FR group have maintained the vVO2máx intensity, however the biomechanical variables were adjusted, causing a mechanical power increased without metabolic expenditure added. These results probably assisted in the significative improvement showed a 5 km race for the FM and FR groups after 8 weeks of training.

A eficiência mecânica da corrida (Eff) é considerada um preditor de desempenho para essa atividade, pois explica características referentes à biomecânica e ao metabolismo energético do corredor. A resposta dessa variável a partir da intervenção de um treinamento ainda tem sido pouco explorada pela literatura específica. Sabe-se que o treinamento combinado de força com resistência pode influenciar positivamente no desempenho da corrida. Com isso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar as respostas da Eff, economia e desempenho de corrida antes e após a inclusão de um treinamento de força máxima e força rápida de 8 semanas em corredores recreacionais. Foram selecionados 24 corredores recreacionais (19 homens, 5 mulheres), os quais foram divididos em 3 grupos submetidos a um treinamento de 8 semanas. O grupo FM, que adicionou o treinamento de força máxima ao treinamento de resistência (n = 8); grupo FR, que incluiu o treinamento de força rápida além do resistência (n = 9); e o grupo controle (C) que manteve somente o treinamento de resistência (n = 7). Os testes para variáveis biomecânicas e metabólicas foram realizados em uma esteira rolante. Para análise do desempenho, avaliou-se o tempo de prova em um circuito aberto de 5 km (t5km). A Eff foi avaliada em duas intensidades (60 - Eff60% - e 110% - Eff110% da velocidade do VO2máx). A Eff na maior intensidade foi definida de duas formas: assumindo componente anaeróbio (Eff110TOT), e desconsiderando a participação anaeróbia como fonte de energia (Eff110AER). Aplicou-se o teste de Shapiro-Wilk para verificar a normalidade dos dados. Utilizou-se um teste de ANOVA com medidas repetidas 3x2. Para os dados não paramétricos utilizou-se o teste de Friedman. Ocorrendo interação, aplicou-se o teste Post-Hoc de Tukey uma ANOVA One-Way. Em dados não paramétricos utilizou-se o teste Kruskal-Wallys. Além disso, o teste-T pareado foi utilizado para comparação intra grupos antes e após o programa de treinamento, em caso de dados não paramétricos, utilizou-se o teste de Wilcoxon. O tamanho do efeito foi calculado para as principais variáveis de desempenho. O alfa adotado foi de 5%. A Eff não apresentou diferenças significativas em nenhuma das intensidades e métodos calculados entre os grupos após 8 semanas de treinamento (p > 0,05). No entanto, apresentou um tamanho de efeito forte para FR (0,78) e moderado para FM (0,29) na Eff60%. Enquanto isso, tanto para Eff110AER, como para Eff110TOT, ambos os grupos FM e FR apresentaram tamanho de efeito moderado: FM = 0,44 e 0,34, respectivamente; FR = 0,26 e 0,30, respectivamente. O t5km apresentou diminuição significativa pré e pós-treinamento para os grupos FM e FR (p = 0,03 e p = 0,02, respectivamente). Para ECO, FR foi menor do que C (p < 0,01), e o grupo FM diminuiu a ECO após as 8 semanas de treinamento (p = 0,045). Eff não apresentou diferenças significativas nas diferentes intensidades nos grupos submetidos ao treinamento de força, o grupo FR e FM obtiveram um tamanho de efeito moderado-forte nessas respostas, que podem ser explicadas pela otimização de alguns parâmetros biomecânicos e metabólicos. O grupo FM incrementou a intensidade da vVO2máx e mesmo assim manteve o dispêndio metabólico, demonstrando um comportamento positivo na Eff. O grupo FR manteve a intensidade da vVO2máx, porém, otimizou suas variáveis biomecânicas, causando um aumento na potência mecânica, sem a necessidade do acréscimo no dispêndio metabólico. Os resultados provavelmente auxiliaram na melhora significativa apresentada em uma prova de 5 km para os grupos FM e FR após 8 semanas de treinamento. / The mechanical efficiency of running (Eff) is considered a predictor of performance this activity because explain biomechanics and energetics characteristics of runners. This variable has been little attention of the researches influenced by training program. It is known that combined strength and endurance training may be to influence positively in the running performance, through of metabolic and biomechanical responses. The objective of the present study was to compare two strength training programs in the Eff, running economy (ECO) and performance after 8 weeks of program training. 24 recreational runners were selected (males = 19; females = 5), and subdivided into three groups submitted to 8 weeks of training. The FM group, which added the maximal strength training to the endurance training (n = 8); FR group, which was submitted to the explosive strength training to the endurance training (n = 9); and C group, which performed endurance training only (n = 7). The tests for biomechanical and metabolic variables and to posterior Eff calculation were performed on treadmill. In addition, the performance was analyzed by the 5 km time in open field (t5km). The Eff was evaluated in two intensities (60% - Eff60% - and 110% of VO2máx velocity). At the higher intensity Eff was defined of two ways: with the presence (Eff110TOT) and the absence of anaerobic component (Eff110AER) as energy source. The Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to verify the data normality. The repeated measures ANOVA test (3x2) was used to detect interaction between group vs time factors. In non-parametric data, was used a Friedman test. If an interaction existed, Tukey’s Post-hoc test and one-way ANOVA were used. The Kruskal-Wallys test was utilized in non parametric cases. Furthermore, the paired Ttest was used to compare each group before and after the strength training program. Into nonparametric data was used the Wilcoxon test. The effect size was calculated to the main performance variables. The alpha adopted was 0.05. No significant changes were observed in Eff by intensities and methods calculated between the groups after 8 weeks of training (p > 0.05). However, FR group showed a stronger effect size (0.78) and FM group a moderated effect size (0.29) for Eff60%. Meanwhile, so much Eff110AER as Eff110TOT, both of groups FM and FR presented moderated effect size: FM = 0.44 and 0.34, respectively; FR = 0.26 and 0.30, respectively. The t5km showed significative decrease after training for the FM e FR groups (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). The ECO showed lower for FR than C group (p < 0,01), and the FM group decreased ECO after 8 weeks training (p = 0.045). Eff did not show significative differences in different intensities on the groups submitted to strength training, the FM and FR groups obtained a moderated-stronger effect size in this responses, which could be justified by the optimization of biomechanical and metabolic parameters in such intensity. Thus, the FM group increased the vVO2máx intensity and still remained the energy expenditure, showing a improve behavior in Eff. Moreover, the FR group have maintained the vVO2máx intensity, however the biomechanical variables were adjusted, causing a mechanical power increased without metabolic expenditure added. These results probably assisted in the significative improvement showed a 5 km race for the FM and FR groups after 8 weeks of training.

Orientador: Franco Giuseppe Dedini / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecanica e Instituto de Geociencias / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-13T06:15:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silva_JoelFerreirada_M.pdf: 9536924 bytes, checksum: c20506c78c6b701b46bf63781f7fc0c6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho é propor um mecanismo alternativo para a superação de barreiras arquitetônicas do tipo rampas de até 8°. As cadeiras de rodas manuais convencionais exigem esforço muscular do usuário nos aros de propulsão, sendo muitas vezes um mecanismo ineficiente na superação destas barreiras arquitetônicas. Este mecanismo alternativo dotado de uma combinação de alavancas propulsoras e embreagem seletiva que permite o travamento das rodas traseiras da cadeira de rodas no avanço de superação de rampas e rodas livres no momento da propulsão convencional. Foi utilizado o ambiente de Working Model 3D® para a simulação da cadeira de rodas no momento da progressão da superação de rampas. A partir de uma revisão bibliográfica dos padrões de propulsão, desempenho e de mecanismos alternativos existentes, foi elaborada a proposta do presente mecanismo alternativo. / Abstract: This study aims to present a proposal of an alternative mechanism that is able to surpass architectural barriers like ramps with an inclination up to 8 degrees. The conventional manual wheelchair requires muscular effort from the user at rims of propulsion. Although this thousandyear- old mechanism of propulsion isn't efficient enough to surpass architectural barriers. This alternative mechanism, composed by a combination of propellers levers and selective clutch, allows the user to break the rear wheels when advancing ramps, and free wheels at the moment of conventional propulsion.For this study it was considered a Working Model 3D® environment to simulate the wheelchairs at the moment of progressive surpass of ramps. A bibliographical review envolving the binomial wheelchair - user, considering standards of propulsion, performance and existing alternative mechanisms, generated the proposal of this present alternative mechanism. / Mestrado / Mecanica dos Sólidos e Projeto Mecanico / Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica

Este trabalho apresentará um projeto cujo propósito foi definir um protocolo de avaliação para pacientes paraplégicos sob terapia, através do uso de estimulação elétrica neuromuscular, no ambulatório de ortopedia do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de Campinas. A análise proposta servirá tanto para o acompanhamento da evolução dos pacientes, quanto, principalmente, para avaliação dos sistemas de reabilitação desenvolvidos pelo laboratório de biocibernética e engenharia de reabilitação na Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos. Neste trabalho o protocolo foi aplicado especificamente para descrever a locomoção do paraplégico usando a estimulação padrão de 4 canais, que realiza a ativação dos quadríceps para extensão das pernas, necessária para o suporte do corpo, e a ativação do reflexo de retirada através da estimulação do nervo fibular para a flexão necessária para a fase de balanço. A análise usou como referência o conhecimento relacionado à descrição das fases e estratégias usadas pela locomoção do ser humano intacto. O protocolo de avaliação usou recursos do laboratório de biomecânica e reabilitação do aparelho locomotor, situado no hospital citado acima, que permitiram a descrição da cinemática dos membros superiores e inferiores, da atividade muscular realizada pelos membros superiores, e das forças de reação do solo. / This work present a case study on the use of the motion analysis laboratory resources (three-dimensional motion capture system, EMG, and force plate) with the purpose of improve the use of surface electrical stimulation to enable the locomotion in paraplegic subjects. Five trials for each of the five patients (thoracic complete spinal cord lesion) using a four channel electrical stimulator was done for synchronously acquisition of: 3D coordinates of 30 markers distributed on the whole body (to evaluate the stride\'s characteristics and three-dimensional measurements of angles of whole-body); EMG signal, on both sides, of triceps brachii long head, pectoralis major, middle deltoideus, extensor carpi radialis; and the vertical component of the ground reaction force. All data were normalized on the right gait cycle. The analysis was done braking the cycle in 11 events related with the swing phase in both sides, because it was focused firstly in the actions related with the swing limb and upper body advance, that represents a critical factor in locomotion aided by electrical stimulation. These events divided the gait cycle in 10 phases, which was used for associate the data evaluated with specifics tasks. The results showed temporal parameters similar to that reported by other authors, specific characteristics of the patient, the mechanism used by the patient for advance the body, and the periods of high activity of the muscles on the cycle.

Orientador: Claudio Alexandre Gobatto / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-25T15:01:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Scariot_PedroPauloMenezes_M.pdf: 1584888 bytes, checksum: 8356b3aa4fe31d35fcd7190b3ef7cbb2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: A locomoção representa um comportamento extremamente importante e primordial para a vida animal. Diante disso, torna-se notório que o restrito confinamento imposto aos animais de laboratório pode causar negativas implicações fisiológicas, uma vez que diversos comportamentos locomotores naturais são suprimidos. Baseado nessa problemática, desejamos verificar se animais alojados em gaiolas convencionais possuem piores indicadores de desempenho ao exercício, quando comparados a animais expostos a condições aumentadas de espaço físico. Além disso, buscamos analisar se a característica do espaço físico das gaiolas representa um fator mais relevante que a própria aplicação do exercício, haja vista que protocolos de treinamento físico em modelos animais não conseguem promover melhoras expressivas da capacidade aeróbia ao longo da idade. Em outra temática, a locomoção também se apresenta intimamente relacionada a aspectos genéticos, uma vez que marcantes diferenças individuais são distinguidas quando rodas de atividades são disponibilizadas para animais de laboratório. Entendendo que o aspecto genético é de suma importância nesse contexto, nós supomos que animais mais ativos na gaiola, exibiriam maiores vantagens metabólicas e genéticas para a prática de exercício quando comparados a animais mais inativos. Diante disso, buscamos explorar se as atividades espontâneas e voluntárias dos animais já refletem propensões para melhores desempenhos físicos. Embora pareçam similares, tais atividades são consideradas distintas pela literatura, e carecem de serem relacionadas com a capacidade aeróbia, e com respostas moleculares envolvidas com a performance. Tendo em vista todos os temas abordados, o objetivo geral do presente projeto baseia-se em verificar a influência do espaço físico da gaiola, bem como sua interação com as duas principais intervenções experimentais científicas (treinamento físico ou livre acesso à roda de atividade) sobre respostas fisiológicas e moleculares relacionadas com o metabolismo aeróbio e anaeróbio, composição corporal e estresse em ratos ao longo da idade (60, 90 e 150 dias). Além disso, verificar as relações entre a atividade espontânea e voluntária com parâmetros fisiológicos envolvidos com a performance no exercício / Abstract: Locomotion is extremely important and essential for animal life behavior. Thus, it becomes clear that the restricted confinement and therefore the suppression of many locomotors behaviors imposed to laboratory animals can cause negative physiological implications. Based on these problems, we verified if animals housed in conventional cages have worse exercise performance indicators when compared to animals exposed in increased housing space. Furthermore, we analyzed if the physical space of the cages is a more important factor than implementation of the exercise, given that physical training protocols in animal models fail to promote improvements in aerobic capacity over the age. On another topic, locomotion is closely related to genetic factors. We assumed that animals more active in the cage, exhibit higher metabolic and genetic advantages for the practice of exercise when compared to inactive animals. Therefore, we investigated whether the spontaneous and voluntary activities of animals already reflect propensities for better physical performance. Although they look similar, these activities are considered distinct in the literature. There is scarce information about the relationship of such with aerobic capacity and molecular responses involved with the performance. The overall goal of this project is based on checking the influence of the housing space of the cage as well as its interaction with the two main scientific experimental interventions (physical training or free access to activity wheel) on physiological and molecular responses related aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, body composition and stress in rats along age. In addition, to check the relationship between spontaneous and voluntary activity with physiological parameters involved with the exercise performance / Mestrado / Biodinâmica do Movimento Humano e Esporte / Mestre em Ciências da Nutrição e do Esporte e Metabolismo

No description available.

No description available.

OBJECTIVES: Comparing electromyography and physiological measures while walking on various inclines in unstable and stable shoes. METHODS: Eleven healthy females walked on treadmill at +10%, 0% and -10% grade for five minutes each, at self-selected pace, in stable and unstable shoes. The two sessions were done 3weeks apart during which the subjects used unstable shoes for regular activities. Electromyography of lower limb muscles, absolute and relative oxygen consumption, perceived exertion rating and heart rate was calculated. RESULTS: Tibialis anterior activation varied significantly with shoe type, irrespective of grade. Soleus, vastus medialis, and biceps femoris showed activation differences in specific gait phases. There was a main effect for absolute and relative oxygen consumption, RPE and HR only with grade. Shoe type showed no effect. CONCLUSION: Though there is no difference in overall physiological variables, but changes in electromyography in specific phases highlight possible muscle toning benefits of unstable shoes. / Graduate / 0350 / 0354 / 0382 / avneetchatha@gmail.com

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Lindsey E. Hulbert / Stressors and stress responses are part of everyday life, for both humans and animals. Organisms evolved well-developed mechanisms to cope with most stressors, and to recover from stress responses. Nevertheless, severe acute stressors and chronic stressors lead to health problems. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as malfunctioning and pathology of the brain caused by external mechanical forces. This physical and psychological stressor may lead to long-term damage on both physiology and psychology mechanisms. Traumatic brain injury becomes a public health issue for millions of soldiers, veterans and general public, who suffer from its aftermath and reduced quality of life. To understand TBI, human patients and rodents models were extensively studied. In recent years, miniswine were utilized to research the histopathology of TBI. They serve as a better human brain model because their nervous system is more anatomically relevant than rodents, their brains have similar white:grey matter ratios as humans, and they have similar cognitive abilities as humans. Despite the progresses in pathology and histology work among miniswine models of TBI, there were not validated behavior tests for this new animal model. This thesis introduced two behavior-tests for Yucatan miniboar models. The first study was conducted to validate a modified human approach test (HAT) specifically designed for Yucatan miniboars for mild TBI experiments. This test was originally validated and widely used for commercial pigs. The current test was designed around the housing and animal care, with the experimental performing the test outside of pens where pigs were individually housed. Animals were treated with a single blast wave (BLAST) or anesthesia only (control, SHAM), and were tested 3 days before the treatment (baseline) and 3 consecutive days after the treatment. During the test, the spatial positions (Climb, Close, Mid and Far) and structural positions (Stand, Lie) were measured. Climb and Close were collectively named approach behaviors, and Mid and Far Move away behaviors. Results showed that this test had high reliability, and was sensitive to acute effects of TBI: BLAST-treated pigs showed decreased approach behaviors and increased move away behaviors following the treatment, compared to the baseline. The second experiment was conducted to develop automated data collection methods to monitor circadian active and inactive behaviors of miniboars. Using the same experimental design as described previously, Fitbit Zip, a commercially available accelerometer with an embedded algorithm (Fitbit, San Francisco, CA), was tested. When attached to ear tags, Fitbit Zip was validated to be recording head movements without locomotion, which were oral-nasal-facial (ONF) behaviors. Results showed that Fitbit Zips best-detected behavior changes following TBI at 2-hour observation intervals. BLAST animals showed decreased ONF behaviors during the day especially around the feeding time, which were also when the pigs were most active. Both behavior-tests were shown to be reliable and useful in measuring behavior changes following TBI in Yucatan miniboar models. Measures of behavior were shown to be a promising and valuable addition to the biomedical research utilizing large animal models. These advances in knowledge and technology could also benefit farm animal production.

One of the most striking things about many animals is that they can be defined by the ways in which they move. Moving costs metabolic energy and is a significant contributor to the daily energy balance of organisms and therefore fitness. Balancing energy needs is critically important to species inhabiting areas of limited resources. The metabolic cost of locomotion is influenced by physiological, morphological and behavioural factors that vary across species. The influence of these factors within species is less well understood. The objective of my PhD is to elucidate the potential for variation in locomotor performance, in particular the energy consumed and the biomechanics of locomotion within a species, in response to differences in season, sex, age and the nature of the terrain. The Svalbard ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea) is the only year-round avian resident of the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Svalbard is characterized by extreme photoperiodic and climatic conditions, with 24 hours of daylight in summer and continuous darkness in winter, when ice makes food unpredictable. As a result, ptarmigan annually gain significant fat stores, as much as doubling their body mass in winter. The consequences of such large gains in mass upon the metabolic cost and biomechanics of terrestrial locomotion are yet to be quantified. The Svalbard ptarmigan represents a unique opportunity to gain insight into avian adaptations.Using respirometry, I present evidence that winter birds are able to carry their fat stores at no metabolic cost. Using kinematic and force plate data, I show that acquiring fat results in reduced locomotor performance in terms of speed and take-off ability. As well as exhibiting phenotypic variation, male and female Svalbard ptarmigan are behaviourally very different. I present evidence that these behavioural differences are reflected in the metabolic cost of locomotion. In particular, males are both more efficient and faster than female birds during both summer and winter. I suggest that this results from sexual selection upon male locomotor performance. Furthermore, I present data demonstrating that sub-adult males experiencing their first winter possess the same metabolic and speed capabilities of adults. These data may indicate that selection for improved male locomotor performance may act upon sub-adult birds. Regardless of season, age or sex, Svalbard ptarmigan must locomote on a predominantly sloping terrain. The influence of inclines upon the metabolic cost of locomotion in birds is poorly understood. I provide evidence that at the same degree of incline, the cost of lifting 1 kg by 1 vertical metre is similar regardless of season and is therefore dictated by increased positive work. However, this cost varies according to the degree of incline and may be influenced by gait.The principal findings of the 5 first author papers presented are that behavioural, physiological and morphological variation within a species can have significant impacts upon the metabolic cost of locomotion and other aspects of locomotor performance. The potential for intraspecific differences should therefore be taken into account in future research regarding the patterns of energy expenditure in animals.