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Related Experiment Videos

Muscle coordination: the discussion continues

Prilutsky1

  • 1Center for Human Movement Studies, Department of Health and Performance Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.

Motor Control
|February 17, 2000
PubMed
Summary

This study clarifies muscle coordination terminology and examines metabolic optimization criteria for predicting muscle coordination during walking. The findings suggest muscle coordination may minimize effort, fatigue, and energy expenditure.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Motor Control
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • Criticisms of previous work on muscle coordination are addressed.
  • Ambiguous terminology in the target article is clarified.
  • The scope of tasks exhibiting basic muscle coordination features is refined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate Alexander's (2000) metabolic optimization criterion for predicting muscle coordination in walking.
  • To discuss issues related to validating muscle force predictions and coordination rules.
  • To examine the role of directional constraints in coordinating two-joint muscles.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of muscle force predictions based on moment arms and physiological cross-sectional areas.
  • Comparison of predictions from the Crowninshield and Brand (1981) criterion with experimental data.

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  • Examination of metabolic optimization criteria for muscle coordination.

    • Main Results:

    • Muscle force predictions by the Crowninshield and Brand (1981) criterion are more complex than previously assumed.
    • This criterion qualitatively predicts basic coordination features in one- and two-joint muscles for skilled, repetitive tasks.
    • The new criterion's ability to predict muscle coordination in walking is assessed.

    Conclusions:

    • The Crowninshield and Brand (1981) criterion offers a valid model for muscle coordination in specific motor tasks.
    • Muscle coordination may serve to minimize perceived effort, muscle fatigue, and energy expenditure.
    • Further validation is needed for complex tasks with high stability and accuracy demands.