Hominin Movement Lab

The Hominin Movement Lab, run by Dr. Nicholas Holowka in the Department of Anthropology at Penn State, studies primate musculoskeletal anatomy and the biomechanics of human movement through an evolutionary lens.

Our core research questions are:

What are the musculoskeletal adaptations in the human body that allow us to move in unique and remarkable ways?
What are the associated adaptive trade-offs between strength, stability, locomotor economy, and endurance?
How are these trade-offs related to musculoskeletal health in modern environments?

To address these questions, we use an array of field- and lab-based approaches to study the biomechanics and energetics of human movement. Methods include 3-D motion analysis, electromyography, and respirometry. We compare humans to non-human primates and study human movement in industrialized and non-industrialized environments. Recent and ongoing research focuses on adaptive function of the human foot and ankle, locomotion on natural terrains, and force transmission during bipedal walking.

Become a Part of the Lab

The Hominin Movement Lab is recruiting PhD students for the Fall 2025 application cycle! Apply by December 1.

Questions? Contact Nick Holowka.