ABSTRACT
Electromyography (EMG) has been used sporadically for studies of fatigue at its basic level, with confusing results for the general scientist. The theories of the evolution of human bipedalism as related to biomechanics and EMG kinesiology dictate a great infusion of certain disciplines into physical anthropology. Many of the widely held beliefs on human posture— and to a lesser extent, human gait— are based on teleology and metaphysics; many are not borne out by EMG. The most pernicious factor in the creation of the mythology is the idea that man is a bungled patchwork of evolution and that his posture and locomotion are second-rate adaptations. The central nervous system has an integrating function in the interplay of muscular contractions. Many contractions of any one particular muscle may be accompanied by synergistic activity in other muscles to steady the adjacent joints. At all joints the most common single movements are composite movements, swing and spin together.
