Title: An Anatomical and Biomechanical Study of the Human Iliotibial Band's Role in Elastic Energy Storage
Description: The iliotibial band (ITB) is a complex structure that is unique to humans among apes and is derived from the fascia lata (FL) of the thigh. Although the ITB evolved in the hominin lineage, it is unclear whether it evolved to improve locomotor economy, increase stability, or serve a different function. This dissertation tests the hypothesis that the ITB stores and recovers elastic energy during walking and running.