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Related Experiment Videos

What functions do reflexes serve during human locomotion?

E P Zehr1, R B Stein

  • 1Neurophysiology Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. pzehr@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca

Progress in Neurobiology
|May 25, 1999
PubMed
Summary
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Reflexes in human locomotion are adaptable, changing function based on movement phase and context. Understanding these dynamic reflex functions offers potential for clinical gait modification after neurotrauma.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biomechanics
  • Human Locomotion

Background:

  • Vertebrate locomotion involves complex reflex modulation, studied across various species and behaviors.
  • Emerging evidence suggests reflexes are task-, phase-, and context-dependent, crucial for adaptable movement.
  • Understanding reflex modulation is key to comprehending normal locomotion and potential therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review studies on reflex modulation during different behaviors, focusing on human locomotion.
  • To develop a framework demonstrating the modulation and flexibility of reflexes in locomotion.
  • To discuss the regulatory functions of cutaneous, stretch, and load receptor reflexes during human gait.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on reflex studies during various behaviors, with emphasis on human experiments.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of studies involving electrical, mechanical, and natural receptor activation during walking.
  • Development of a framework to discuss reflex function throughout the locomotor step cycle.

    • Main Results:

    • Reflexes demonstrate significant modulation and flexibility, adapting to different locomotor conditions (sitting, standing, walking).
    • Cutaneous reflexes primarily adjust swing limb trajectory to prevent falls.
    • Stretch reflexes stabilize limb trajectory and aid force production during stance; load receptor reflexes influence body weight support and step timing.

    Conclusions:

    • Reflex pathways dynamically change function throughout the locomotor cycle, playing critical regulatory roles.
    • Altered reflex function post-neurotrauma or in disease presents opportunities for clinical exploitation in gait modification.
    • The developed framework aids in understanding the dynamic and context-dependent nature of reflexes in human locomotion.