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Phase-dependent compensatory responses to perturbation applied during walking in humans
1Neural Control Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1.
Journal of Motor Behavior
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Unexpected leg perturbations during walking are adapted by the nervous system. Muscle responses are modulated based on the step cycle phase to maintain balance and continuous locomotion.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Human Locomotion
Background:
- Locomotion involves complex interactions between peripheral sensory input and central neural control.
- Understanding how the nervous system adapts to unexpected perturbations is crucial for explaining motor control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of the step cycle phase on the response to unexpected perturbations during human locomotion.
- To analyze the latency and magnitude of muscle responses to electrical stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Electrical stimulation of the toe was applied at different phases of the locomotor cycle.
- Muscle responses in both ipsilateral and contralateral limbs were recorded and analyzed for latency and magnitude.
Main Results:
- Perturbation responses were gated and modulated in limb muscles, primarily exhibiting excitatory responses.
- Most muscle response latencies were phase-independent, but the step cycle phase was shortened post-perturbation.
- The tibialis anterior muscle showed a phase-independent ipsilateral flexor response.
Conclusions:
- The nervous system employs phase-dependent modulation of muscle responses to maintain postural stability during locomotion.
- Complex neural organization underlies the adaptive responses to unexpected perturbations, ensuring continuous movement.