[Reflex component of the swing phase: a comparative analysis of locomotion in intact and deafferentated rats]

Comparative analysis of hindlimb biomechanics and EMG activity with different kinds of locomotion before and after bilateral LI-S2 spinal cord deafferentation were performed in rats. A delay of the onset and increase of duration of knee and ankle joint flexion, but not hip joint flexion were revealed after deafferentation. It was accompanied by reinforcing of the F-period of the swing phase which was more prominent during walking than swimming. The amplitude and duration of the muscle activity decreased, in particular, during the F-period of the swing phase. The role of afferent inflow in the formation of the F-phase of the locomotor cycle is discussed.