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Cortical and brainstem control of locomotion
Trevor Drew1, Stephen Prentice, Bénédicte Schepens
1Department of Physiology, University of Montreal, Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada. trevor.drew@umontreal.ca
Progress in Brain Research
|December 5, 2003
Summary
Descending brain pathways adjust gait for uneven terrain and reaching movements. Spinal circuit excitability influences how these motor commands are expressed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Locomotion relies on central spinal circuits for basic rhythm.
- Descending pathways from the brain are crucial for adapting gait to uneven terrain.
- Motor cortex and brainstem reticular formation neurons are involved in gait modification and postural support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of descending pathways in anticipatory gait modifications.
- To explore the neural mechanisms underlying adjustments for uneven terrain and obstacle negotiation.
- To determine if similar neural pathways are involved in reaching movements.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of neuronal activity in motor cortex and brainstem during locomotion tasks.
- Electrophysiological recordings in animal models to study neural control of movement.
- Behavioral experiments to assess gait adjustments over varied terrain.
Main Results:
- Neurons in the motor cortex initiate changes in muscle activity for limb trajectory modification.
- Brainstem reticular formation neurons ensure appropriate postural support during gait adjustments.
- Evidence suggests that similar neurons and pathways are involved in both locomotion and reaching movements.
Conclusions:
- Descending pathways are essential for adapting locomotion to environmental challenges.
- The motor cortex and brainstem play coordinated roles in gait control.
- Spinal circuit state and excitability modulate the effectiveness of descending motor commands for both locomotion and reaching.