The Neural Control Of Locomotion Current Knowledge And Future Research

From speech to breathing to overt movement contractions of muscles are the only way other than sweating whereby we literally make a mark on the world. Locomotion is an essential part of this equation and exciting new developments are shedding light on the mechanisms underlying how this important behavior occurs. The Neural Control of Movement discusses these developments across a variety of species including man. The editors focus on highlighting the utility of different models from invertebrates to vertebrates. Each chapter discusses how new approaches in neuroscience are being used to dissect and control neural networks. An area of emphasis is on vertebrate motor networks and particularly the spinal cord. The spinal cord is unique because it has seen the use of genetic tools allowing the dissection of networks for over ten years. This book provides practical details on model systems, approaches, and analysis approaches related to movement control. This book is written for neuroscientists interested in movement control. Provides practice details on model systems, approaches, and analysis approaches related to movement control Discusses how recent advances like optogenetics and chemogenetics affect the need for model systems to be modified (or not) to work for studies of movement and motor control Written for neuroscientists interested in movement control, especially movement disorders like Parkinson’s, MS, spinal cord injury, and stroke

In the last decade, we have witnessed a striking maturation of our understanding of how neurons in the spinal cord control muscular activity and movement. Paradoxically, a host of new findings have revealed an unexpected versatility in the behavior of these well-studied neural elements and circuits. In this volume, the world's leading experts review the current state of our knowledge of motor control, outline their latest results and developments, and delineate the seminal unresolved questions in this vibrant field of research. The volume begins with a commentary and overview of our current understanding of the peripheral and spinal basis of motor control. The remainder of the volume is divided into seven sections, each focused on a different problem. The first chapter in each section provides some historical review and presages the experimental findings and hypotheses that are discussed in subsequent chapters. Topics include the biomechanics of neuromuscular systems, the properties of motoneurons and the muscle units they control, spinal interneurons, pattern generating circuits, locomotion, descending control of spinal circuits, comparative physiology of motor systems, and motor systems neurophysiology studied in man. The book serves as a unique reference volume and should be essential reading for anyone interested in motor systems. Moreover, the volume's comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics make it an effective textbook for graduate level courses in motor control neurobiology, kinesiology, physical therapy, and rehabilitation medicine.

Reports on research into how the nervous system controls muscles and movement from crustaceans to humans. Covers the broad areas of afferent mechanisms, proprioception, reflexes, locomotion, development, cerebellar mechanism, and comparative studies; and discusses such details as the quantitative as

Covering the basics of neuroscience, including a chapter on the vocabulary of the nervous system (a great brush-up even for those who have some prior knowledge of neuroscience), this excellent reference eases the student through more difficult topics such as reflexes, eye-hand coordination, and neural control of running and walking. Each chapter begins with an outline, and a comprehensive glossary rounds out the book. More than 50 original line drawings illustrate key concepts. * Presents difficult information on neuroscience in an easy-to-understand manner. * Explains the major organizational subdivisions of the central nervous system briefly, with an emphasis on structures and structural relationships that impact motor control. * Presents typical spinal cord and brainstem reflexes involved in motor control and discusses the methods for using these reflexes to influence strength gains and muscle flexibility. * Includes the most current research on the neural control of hand-eye coordination, discussed in relation to its importance to rehabilitation medicine and childrens' physical education. * Chapter on the neural control of human locomotion integrates concepts in previous chapters to show the harmony of neural interaction that is needed to complete any motor act. * Includes the latest research (by the author) showing that humans can consciously alter reflex activity and the impact of these findings on athletic performance, recovery from injury, and motor learning. * Concepts are illustrated with anecdotes and examples making difficult information less intimidating and easier to grasp. * Includes topics like hand-eye coordination and human locomotion, applying neuroscience to everyday activities and making highly theoretical information useful. * More than 50 original line drawings illustrate key concepts. * Chapter outlines give students an overview of the information to be presented. * Comprehensive glossary provides an easy review of difficult terminology.

Most routine motor tasks are complex, involving load transmission through out the body, intricate balance, and eye-head-shoulder-hand-torso-leg coor dination. The quest toward understanding how we perform such tasks with skill and grace, often in the presence of unpredictable perturbations, has a long history. This book arose from the Ninth Engineering Foundation Con ference on Biomechanics and Neural Control of Movement, held in Deer Creek, Ohio, in June 1996. This unique conference, which has met every 2 to 4 years since the late 1960s, is well known for its informal format that promotes high-level, up-to-date discussions on the key issues in the field. The intent is to capture the high quality ofthe knowledge and discourse that is an integral part of this conference series. The book is organized into ten sections. Section I provides a brief intro duction to the terminology and conceptual foundations of the field of move ment science; it is intended primarily for students. All but two of the re maining nine sections share a common format: (l) a designated section editor; (2) an introductory didactic chapter, solicited from recognized lead ers; and (3) three to six state-of-the-art perspective chapters. Some per spective chapters are followed by commentaries by selected experts that provide balance and insight. Section VI is the largest section, and it con sists of nine perspective chapters without commentaries.