Modulation of the myotatic reflex gain in man during intentional movements

Human subjects were asked to perform sinusoidal tracking movements (0.5--3.0 Hz) with their forearms while external torque disturbances were applied at the elbow. The changes in angular position, velocity, and acceleration produced by these disturbances were found to be represented in the reflex changes in EMG activity of both biceps and triceps muscles. The gain of each of these reflex components varied during the tracking task, their maximal being about the same as those measured when the torque disturbances were applied in the absence of movements and the subjects attempted to maintain a constant forearm position. Such changes in gain were found to be centrally regulated since they were shown not to depend on the movement itself, being also present during force tracking, i.e. under nearly isometric conditions. Also their minima and maxima did not coincide with those of the EMG activity. These results suggest that an internal plan (or model) of the learned task is present, whereby reflex gains can be regulated independently from the motion and alpha-motoneuron activity. Such regulation effectively uncouples the reflex motor output from the intentionally controlled motion and maintains spindle sensitivity to external disturbances independent of large changes in muscle length. These conclusions are discussed in the context of the functional role of gamma-motoneurons in the control of movements.