Forebrain control of locomotion
Many of behaviors in humans and animals are
expressed as different kinds of locomotion movements: walking, jogging,
dancing, swimming, etc. On the one hand, locomotion is a highly automatic
movement. The neural mechanisms, which determine the order of muscular
contractions and the coordination of limb movements during locomotion resides
in the spinal cord. On the other hand, the spinal mechanism lacks the distant
information about the outside world and the information about the purpose of
locomotion. However, the basic pattern of locomotion may have numerous
volitional variations, which allow for adaptations to the peculiarities of the
environment and to the changing needs of a subject. This is possible due to the
involvement of the higher brain motor centers. For example, when walking in
natural habitats, humans and animals must control the transfer and placement of
their feet precisely in order to avoid obstacles and irregularities. It is the
activity of supraspinal, higher brain centers that modifies locomotion based on
visual information.
The overall aim of this project of Dr. Beloozerova is to understand the
neuronal mechanisms of the forebrain that are involved in adaptation of
locomotion to the visually perceived features of the environment.
In
our experiments, we test subjects during simple over-ground walking on an even
surface when locomotion can proceed successfully even in dark or with closed
eyes and during walking along a horizontal ladder where vision is required for
an accurate foot placement on the cross-pieces. We record kinematics and
dynamic parameters of limbs, head, and body movements, the activity of limb
muscles, and the neuronal activity of motor and parietal cortices, and motor
thalamus. We then compare body mechanics, the activity of muscles, and the
activity of brain areas in these two tasks and reveal the parameters, which are
associated specifically with stepping under visual control.
In the analysis of biomechanics of complex
locomotion behaviors we collaborate with the laboratory of Dr. Prilutsky at
the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA. Together we conduct
experiments in Phoenix during which we record whole-body kinematics and
dynamics of subjects while they walk along a cluttered pathway, along series of
elevated platforms, or along a narrow strip. We also record the activity of the
motor region of the cerebral cortex the same time. Some of these measurements
are then repeated in Atlanta where more advanced equipment for biomechanical
recordings and analysis is available.
Brad
Farrell from the Georgia Institute of Technology has actively participated
in these studies for about 2.5 years since he was an undergraduate student. In the
fall of 2006, Brad has started his graduate studies in the PhD program of the
School of Applied Physiology at Georgia Institute of Technology; research advisor Dr. Prilutsky, co-advisor Dr. Beloozerova.
Brad’s research is focusing on the mechanisms of precise stepping.
Our studies of the forebrain control of
locomotion lead to a better understanding of neuronal mechanisms of the
forebrain for control of visually guided locomotion. The results may have
significant clinical applications. In forebrain stroke patients, selection of
rehabilitation strategies for locomotion deficits depends largely on
understanding the role of direct forebrain control of locomotion in relation to
spinal mechanisms.
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