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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