Men evolved a unique hip spring for efficient walking
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Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that modern human males developed a distinct hip structure not found in Neanderthals or modern women.
The team, including scientists from Spain and Israel’s Technion, compared Neanderthal and modern human pelvises, finding that Neanderthals and modern women share an older, ancestral pelvic form. Modern human males, however, evolved hip joints positioned further forward, creating a “spring” mechanism.
This forward positioning allows thigh muscles to absorb the impact of each step and store energy, improving walking efficiency and reducing energy expenditure. The team challenged long-held beliefs about pelvic evolution, arguing that the modern male pelvis is the evolutionary innovation, not the Neanderthal pelvis. They propose this efficient walking style gave early human males an advantage during long-distance travel for hunting and gathering.
The shape of the female pelvis remains closer to the ancestral form because the need for a wider birth canal limits the degree of modification possible. Professor Yoel Rak explained that this research could have implications for understanding and treating modern musculoskeletal issues, such as back pain and osteoarthritis, as well as improving prosthetic hip design and rehabilitation programs. The researchers also noted that there is still much to learn about human anatomy.
