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Muscle spindle and fusimotor activity in locomotion
Peter H Ellaway1, Anthony Taylor1, Rade Durbaba1,2
1Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK.
Journal of Anatomy
|June 6, 2015
Summary
Mammalian locomotion relies on spinal cord central pattern generators, modulated by muscle spindles. Gamma motoneurons fine-tune spindle feedback, influencing movement patterns during locomotion.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Locomotion
- Motor Control
Background:
- Mammalian locomotion involves complex coordination of limb and muscle phasing.
- Central pattern generators (CPGs) within the spinal cord produce rhythmic motor output.
- Muscle spindles provide crucial sensory feedback, modulated by fusimotor neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the activity of muscle spindle afferents and fusimotor neurons during locomotion in cats.
- To understand the role of static and dynamic gamma motoneurons in modulating spinal locomotor circuits.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on feline locomotion.
- Analysis of electrophysiological data from animal preparations (decerebrate).
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests alpha-gamma co-activation during locomotion, particularly involving static gamma motoneurons.
- Both static and dynamic gamma motoneuron activity patterns differ from alpha motoneuron activity.
- Static gamma drive may signal intended movement; dynamic gamma drive may signal phase transitions.
Conclusions:
- Gamma motoneurons play distinct modulatory roles in spinal locomotor control.
- Static gamma activity could inform the CNS about intended movement.
- Dynamic gamma activity might facilitate phase transitions during locomotion.
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