 Ropes may have also been used to fasten the hands in addition to the use of nails.Another issue has been the use of a "hypopodium" as a standing platform to support the feet, given that the hands may not have been able to support the weight.In the 20th century, forensic pathologist Frederick Zugibe performed a number of crucifixion experiments by using ropes to hang human subjects at various angles and hand positions.