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Asymmetric Walkway: A Novel Behavioral Assay for Studying Asymmetric Locomotion
Published on: January 15, 2016
Phase locking asymmetries at flexor-extensor transitions during fictive locomotion
David L Boothe1, Avis H Cohen, Todd W Troyer
1Neurosciences and Cognitive Sciences Program, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA.
Plos One
|May 24, 2013
Summary
The spinal central pattern generator (CPG) for locomotion exhibits asymmetric phase locking between flexion and extension. This asymmetry in neural networks is key to understanding walking coordination.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Locomotion
Background:
- The spinal central pattern generator (CPG) network generates motor output for walking.
- CPGs utilize half-center oscillators with mutually inhibitory interneurons for flexion and extension phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the symmetry of half-center oscillators in the mammalian locomotor CPG.
- To analyze phase locking strength at flexion-extension transitions during fictive locomotion.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of natural timing variations during fictive locomotion in cats.
- Stimulation of the midbrain locomotor region to induce locomotion.
- Statistical analysis of phase locking at flexion-extension transitions.
Main Results:
- Phase locking from extension to flexion (E to F) is stronger than from flexion to extension (F to E).
- This locking asymmetry is independent of which phase dominates cycle duration.
- Phase locking strength correlates with the latency between burst offset and onset.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest distinct contributions of network inhibition and intrinsic mechanisms to flexor-extensor alternation.
- Asymmetric phase locking is a fundamental property of spinal locomotor networks.
- This research provides insights into the neural control of coordinated movement.
