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Development of coordinated movement in chicks: I. Temporal analysis of hindlimb muscle synergies at embryonic days 9
1School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Quebec, Canada.
Insights
This study reveals distinct electromyographic patterns in chick embryo hindlimb muscles during early motility, differing from locomotion. These findings offer insights into the development of motor coordination.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Embryology
Background:
- Understanding early motor coordination is crucial for deciphering the development of complex behaviors.
- Spontaneous embryonic movements provide a window into the emergence of neural control.
- Electromyography (EMG) is a key technique for assessing muscle activity patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electromyographic activity in chick embryo hindlimb muscles during spontaneous movements.
- To characterize early motor coordination patterns and their distinction from later behaviors like locomotion.
- To establish a foundation for future research on the neural and biomechanical underpinnings of movement development.
Main Methods:
- Obtained four-channel EMG recordings from six hindlimb muscles in ovo.
- Collected data at embryonic Days 9 and 10.
- Analyzed muscle activity patterns during spontaneous embryonic motility.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct EMG patterns during embryonic motility compared to other behaviors.
- Observed synchronous activation of extensor and flexor muscles at 50% of the extensor cycle period, unlike locomotion.
- Found similar durations for flexor and extensor bursts with low correlation to the extensor cycle period.
- Noted variability in the ensemble of active muscles across movement cycles.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic hindlimb muscle activation patterns during spontaneous activity are unique and differ from those observed in locomotion.
- The findings suggest a developing, yet distinct, form of motor coordination in chick embryos.
- This research lays the groundwork for exploring the neural and biomechanical factors governing the development of coordinated movement.
Abstract:
In this study, we examined electromyographic activity for an ensemble of hindlimb muscles during spontaneous activity in chick embryos to advance understanding of early motor coordination and its relationship to later emerging behaviors. Four-channel recordings were obtained from 6 muscles in ovo at embryonic Days 9 and 10. Analyses indicated that when muscles are repetitively active, patterns during embryonic motility are distinct from those for other behaviors. For example, unlike the muscle patterns for locomotion, extensor muscles and flexor muscles are synchronously activated at 50% of the extensor cycle period. Furthermore, flexor and extensor bursts are similar in duration and show little correlation with extensor cycle period. Finally, our data suggest that the ensemble of muscles active can vary from cycle to cycle. This study provides the basis for future studies that will examine neural and biomechanical interactions underlying the development of coordinated movement.