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Related Concept Videos

Hierarchy of Motor Control01:18

Hierarchy of Motor Control

The hierarchy of motor control refers to the different levels of organization and processing involved in controlling movement in the body. These levels range from higher cortical areas involved in planning and decision-making to lower spinal cord reflexes that respond automatically to external stimuli.
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Direct Motor Pathways01:11

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

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Neural coupling between the upper and lower limbs in humans.

Maria Knikou1

  • 1Department of Physical Therapy and Neuroscience, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA. knikou@mail.csi.cuny.edu

Neuroscience Letters
|March 3, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Active upper limb movements can reduce leg reflex excitability in both seated and standing individuals. This finding suggests arm movements may aid motor recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Motor Control
  • Rehabilitation Science

Background:

  • Spinal reflex excitability can be modulated by various factors.
  • Understanding the influence of upper limb movements on lower limb reflexes is crucial for rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of active upper limb movements on the soleus H-reflex.
  • To determine if these effects differ between seated and standing positions.

Main Methods:

  • Subjects performed sinusoidal upper limb movements (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction) at 0.2 Hz.
  • Soleus H-reflexes were measured during arm movements in seated and standing conditions.
  • Arm position and shoulder muscle activity (EMG) were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Soleus H-reflex was depressed in seated subjects during all arm movement directions.
  • In standing subjects, reflex depression occurred during extension, abduction, and adduction.
  • Shoulder muscles showed activity during arm flexion and abduction.

Conclusions:

  • Active upper limb movements consistently decrease soleus H-reflex excitability.
  • Arm movements may be beneficial in rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord lesions to enhance motor recovery by modulating spinal reflexes.