Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:52
In Vivo Wireless Optogenetic Control of Skilled Motor Behavior
Published on: November 22, 2021
Hindlimb endpoint forces predict movement direction evoked by intraspinal microstimulation in cats
Michel A Lemay1, Dane Grasse, Warren M Grill
1Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA. mlemay@drexelmed.edu
Summary
Microstimulation of the cat
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
Background:
- Understanding spinal cord circuitry is crucial for motor control.
- Intraspinal microstimulation (ISIM) is a tool to probe these circuits.
- Previous studies suggested vectorial summation of forces in chronic spinal animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure hindpaw forces and movements from lumbar spinal cord microstimulation in decerebrate cats.
- To investigate force summation during co-activation of two intraspinal sites.
- To characterize force patterns and movement generation.
Main Methods:
- Microstimulation of the lumbar spinal cord in decerebrate cats.
- Measurement of isometric forces at the hindpaw across nine limb configurations using a force transducer.
- Analysis of force patterns in the sagittal plane.
- Assessment of movements resulting from single and dual site activation.
Main Results:
- Isometric force patterns were categorized based on limb configuration.
- Co-activation of two spinal sites resulted in a 'winner-take-all' response, not vectorial summation.
- Movements were consistent with isometric force orientations.
- Sequential activation allowed for varied movement generation.
Conclusions:
- Absence of vectorial summation during ISIM in decerebrate animals.
- Preservation of isometric force orientation during movement.
- ISIM can generate distinct movements through site activation sequencing.
