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Spinal stretch reflexes support efficient hand control
Jeffrey Weiler1,2,3, Paul L Gribble4,5,6, J Andrew Pruszynski7,8,9,10
1Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. jeffweilerphd@gmail.com.
Nature Neuroscience
|February 12, 2019
Summary
Efficient motor control corrects only task-relevant disturbances. This study reveals that even fast spinal feedback pathways, not just transcortical pathways, can achieve efficient postural hand control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Motor behavior relies on correcting disturbances that impact task success.
- Current models emphasize transcortical feedback for motor control computations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of spinal feedback in efficient postural hand control.
- To challenge the prevailing view that transcortical pathways are solely responsible for motor control computations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of postural adjustments in the hand.
- Electrophysiological recordings during motor tasks.
- Computational modeling of feedback control systems.
Main Results:
- The fastest spinal feedback pathways are capable of generating efficient corrective responses for postural hand control.
- These findings suggest that spinal circuits play a more significant role in motor control than previously assumed.
- The efficiency of motor control may not solely depend on complex transcortical processing.
Conclusions:
- Spinal feedback mechanisms are crucial for efficient motor behavior, particularly in postural control.
- Re-evaluation of the nervous system's control laws is necessary.
- Motor control strategies may involve faster, more localized processing than traditionally believed.
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