Browsing by Author "Kane, Kelsey E"

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    Worked to the bone: An examination of physical activity markers in the human skeleton using a multi-proxy approach at the 18th century Fortress of Louisbourg, NS
    (University of New Brunswick, 2024-08) Kane, Kelsey E; Scott, Amy
    Bioarchaeologists often study muscle attachment sites on bone (i.e., entheseal changes [ECs]) to better understand physical activity in the past. However, without contextual data about these past populations, analyses can be fraught. Therefore, macroscopic EC assessments were combined with surface electromyography (EMG) for the first time to assess the impact of deltoid-focused movements from the 18th century Fortress of Louisbourg. Assessing ECs in an archaeological population with a modern proxy allowed for more accurate interpretations of activity based on observed skeletal changes and EMG. Specifically, a better understanding of the physical impact of the outlined arduous tasks were achieved, as well as contributions to the understanding of handedness and EC interpretation in skeletal remains. This study demonstrated how physically demanding 18th century Louisbourg was, as well as highlighting the complexities of the musculoskeletal system in a way that is not possible using macroscopic assessments alone.