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Reflex activation patterns in relation to multidirectional ankle torque in decerebrate cats.
S G Siegel1, T R Nichols, T C Cope
1Department of Physiology, Emory University, 1648 Pierce Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Motor Control
|April 10, 1999
Summary
This study reveals that cutaneous reflexes activate ankle muscles for both flexion/extension and abduction/adduction. Specific reflexes, like the sural nerve reflex, preferentially generate ankle abduction torque.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Cutaneous reflexes are traditionally understood through flexion/extension movements.
- The role of these reflexes in multidirectional ankle torque generation is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activation patterns of ankle muscles during cutaneous reflexes.
- To determine if reflexes contribute to abduction/adduction torque at the ankle.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) and isometric force measurements were used in decerebrate cats.
- Sural nerve reflex (SNR) and crossed-extension reflex (XER) were elicited.
Main Results:
- Ankle adductor muscles were active during XER but not SNR.
- Ankle abductor muscles showed stronger activation during SNR compared to XER.
- SNR resulted in greater ankle abduction torque than XER.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous reflexes organize muscle activation in relation to multidirectional ankle torque.
- Reflex pathways differentially control ankle abduction and adduction.