Application of neural oscillators to study the effects of walking speed on rhythmic activations at the ankle.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Spinal pattern generators (SPG) are neural networks in the spinal cord that do not require a central input from the brain to generate a motor output. We wanted to determine whether SPG can adapt to the changing motor demands from walking at different speeds, and performing silly walks.

Methods

An SPG model consisting of an oscillator made up of two neurons was utilised in this study; one neuron activates the soleus and the other activates the tibialis anterior. The outputs of the SPG model therefore represent the electromyographic measurements from each muscle. Seven healthy subjects were requested to perform silly walks, normal walking at self-selected speed (4.8 ± 0.5 km/h), 3.5 km/h, 4.0 km/h and 4.5 km/h on a treadmill. Loading and hip angles were used as inpu

SUBMITTER: Chong SY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3600020 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature