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Spinal Networks Involved in Interlimb Co-ordination and Reflex Regulation of Locomotion

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Neuro-Behavioral Determinants of Interlimb Coordination

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Abstract

There is increasing evidence that neuronal networks within the spinal cord are involved in human gait, similar to those known from the cat. Does it indicate that the control of human gait is still based on that of quadrupedal locomotion? Tackling this question is of basic and practical relevance. With the evolution of upright stance and gait, a greater influence of the direct corticomotoneuronal system paralleled advanced hand function which might have replaced the phylogenetically older control of arm movements. Nevertheless, there is some recent evidence that besides the direct connections, corticospinal excitation of upper limb motoneurons can also be mediated indirectly via propriospinal neurons in the cervical cord, for example during locomotion. Such alternative pathways allow a task-dependent neuronal linkage of cervical and thoraco-Iumbar propriospinal circuits controlling leg and arm movements during human locomotor activities. Consequently, interlimb co-ordination and reflex regulation during human locomotion appear to be organised along similar lines to that in the cat. The persistence of such a mode of movement control has consequences for rehabilitation.

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  1. University Hospital Balgrist, Zürich, Switserland

    Volker Dietz

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  1. Volker Dietz
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  1. K. U. Leuven, Belgium

    Stephan P. Swinnen

  2. K. U. Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Jacques Duysens

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Dietz, V. (2004). Spinal Networks Involved in Interlimb Co-ordination and Reflex Regulation of Locomotion. In: Swinnen, S.P., Duysens, J. (eds) Neuro-Behavioral Determinants of Interlimb Coordination. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9056-3_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9056-3_4

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