New Research Sheds Light on Cheetah Muscle Physiology: A Celebration of Women’s Contributions to Science

An intriguing study offers fresh insights into the biomechanics and metabolism of the fastest land animal, revealing significant differences in muscle fibre composition between male and female cheetahs compared to male and female athletes whose prowess is currently on full display at the Olympic Games in Paris. 

Dr Kathryn van Boom, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), contributed to this study, which was conceptualised by Professor Tertius Kohn and Professor Adrian Tordiffe. This month, Dr Van Boom and her research were profiled in the Journal of Experimental Biology, highlighting the vital role of muscle physiology in the cheetah’s exceptional speed.

Dr Van Boom collaborated with a team of scientists from other institutions to explore the muscle characteristics of cheetahs compared to humans. The study involved biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle of both male and female cheetahs and recreationally active humans, providing a unique comparative model to understand the physiological adaptations that contribute to the cheetah’s remarkable speed.

The research revealed that cheetah muscles predominantly consist of type IIX fibres, known for their high-speed contraction capabilities but lower fatigue resistance. In contrast, human muscles showed a higher proportion of type I and type IIA fibres, which are more suited for endurance activities. Notably, the study also found that male cheetahs had larger muscle fibres compared to females, suggesting a potential influence of sex on muscle fibre size and overall muscle performance. Understanding cheetahs’ muscle physiology can help develop better strategies for their care and rehabilitation in captivity, where their physical activities are often restricted.

This study holds particular significance as South Africa celebrates Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honouring the achievements and contributions of women across various fields. Dr Van Boom’s work exemplifies the impact of female scientists in advancing our understanding of the natural world and addressing critical conservation challenges. Her dedication and expertise highlight the importance of women’s contributions to science and inspire future generations of female researchers..

Dr Van Boom’s journey into muscle physiology and conservation science is a testament to her passion and perseverance. She has dedicated her career to studying the intricate details of animal physiology, driven by a desire to contribute to wildlife conservation. Her work enriches our scientific knowledge and has practical implications for the conservation of endangered species.

“I remember, my mom bought me a toy microscope when I was very young and I would put everything underneath it to see what it would look like. This interest continued as I got older – during high school my favourite subjects were biology, mathematics and physics,” Dr Van Boom was quoted in the journal feature.

“I have always been fascinated with how animals, the human body and all of nature function so perfectly and beautifully. This fascination, along with my love of sports and the outdoors, grew my passion for biology and physiology into adulthood. So my interest and passion started very young and I am fortunate to have been able to pursue this career field.”

Professor David Holgate, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, said: “In the broader context of Women’s Day and Women’s Month in South Africa, Dr Van Boom’s achievements give cause to celebrate the contribution of our women scientists. Despite the progress made over the years, women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields still face numerous challenges, including gender biases and unequal access to opportunities. By celebrating the successes of female scientists like Dr Van Boom, we can help to break down these barriers and promote a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.”

An intriguing study offers fresh insights into the biomechanics and metabolism of the fastest land animal, revealing significant differences in muscle fibre composition between male and female cheetahs compared to male and female athletes whose prowess is currently on full display at the Olympic Games in Paris. 

Dr Kathryn van Boom, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), contributed to this study, which was conceptualised by Professor Tertius Kohn and Professor Adrian Tordiffe. This month, Dr Van Boom and her research were profiled in the Journal of Experimental Biology, highlighting the vital role of muscle physiology in the cheetah’s exceptional speed.

Dr Van Boom collaborated with a team of scientists from other institutions to explore the muscle characteristics of cheetahs compared to humans. The study involved biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle of both male and female cheetahs and recreationally active humans, providing a unique comparative model to understand the physiological adaptations that contribute to the cheetah’s remarkable speed.

The research revealed that cheetah muscles predominantly consist of type IIX fibres, known for their high-speed contraction capabilities but lower fatigue resistance. In contrast, human muscles showed a higher proportion of type I and type IIA fibres, which are more suited for endurance activities. Notably, the study also found that male cheetahs had larger muscle fibres compared to females, suggesting a potential influence of sex on muscle fibre size and overall muscle performance. Understanding cheetahs’ muscle physiology can help develop better strategies for their care and rehabilitation in captivity, where their physical activities are often restricted.

This study holds particular significance as South Africa celebrates Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honouring the achievements and contributions of women across various fields. Dr Van Boom’s work exemplifies the impact of female scientists in advancing our understanding of the natural world and addressing critical conservation challenges. Her dedication and expertise highlight the importance of women’s contributions to science and inspire future generations of female researchers.

Dr Van Boom’s journey into muscle physiology and conservation science is a testament to her passion and perseverance. She has dedicated her career to studying the intricate details of animal physiology, driven by a desire to contribute to wildlife conservation. Her work enriches our scientific knowledge and has practical implications for the conservation of endangered species.

“I remember, my mom bought me a toy microscope when I was very young and I would put everything underneath it to see what it would look like. This interest continued as I got older – during high school my favourite subjects were biology, mathematics and physics,” Dr Van Boom was quoted in the journal feature.

“I have always been fascinated with how animals, the human body and all of nature function so perfectly and beautifully. This fascination, along with my love of sports and the outdoors, grew my passion for biology and physiology into adulthood. So my interest and passion started very young and I am fortunate to have been able to pursue this career field.”

Professor David Holgate, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, said: “In the broader context of Women’s Day and Women’s Month in South Africa, Dr Van Boom’s achievements give cause to celebrate the contribution of our women scientists. Despite the progress made over the years, women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields still face numerous challenges, including gender biases and unequal access to opportunities. By celebrating the successes of female scientists like Dr Van Boom, we can help to break down these barriers and promote a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.”