The article referenced below, published in 2007 in Nature, discusses and compare the curvature of the lower back in male and female bodies from an evolutionary perspective.
It adresses how bipedalism (walking on 2 feet) has posed unique challenges to females due to the additional mass in front of the body while pregnant or nursing.
It seems that human females have adapted with a structurally increased curvature (or lordosis) in the lower back (pregnant or not) to mitigate this specific biomechanical issue.
This design potentially gives way to more extension capacity in the lumbar area in female rather than in male bodies.
For dancers who want to approach their art and training with a holistic and informed perspective, it is a valuable information. Understanding the design of the body and its specificities is an important aspect for programming an adapted training for the development of the body’s movement potential.
Reference
Title: Fetal load and the evolution of lumbar lordosis in bipedal hominins
Authors: Katherine K. Whitcome, Liza J. Shapiro & Daniel E. Lieberman
Credits
Photo: Skeleton and red hat © Cristina Crippa
