In vivo stroke power and work output for cyclical muscle contractions during locomotion
| Muscle(s) | Activity | Stroke power (W kg-1) | Stroke work (J kg-1) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scallop adductor | Swimming | 120 | 20 | Marsh et al. (1992) |
| Pigeon pectoralis | Flying (steady-speed) | 130 | 10 | Biewener et al. (1998a) |
| Quail pectoralis | Flying (take-off) | 560 | 17.7 | Askew et al. (2001) |
| Turkey hindlimb extensors | Acceleration | 150 | 26 | This study |
Values presented are per unit muscle mass.
Scallop values are calculated from values for the first cycle in a swim of Chlamys hastata, 62 W kg-1, and a reported stroke time of 51% of the cycle. Pigeon (Columba livia) values are calculated from the reported power output during steady flight, 70 W kg-1, and the fraction of the wingbeat cycle spent in downstroke, 0.63. Quail (Coturnix Chinensis) power output is calculated from the mean power reported for a complete wingbeat cycle in take-off (390 W kg-1) and the fraction of the wingbeat cycle spent in downstroke, 0.70.