Yury P. Ivanenko*, Victor S. Gurfinkel, Victor A. Selionov, Irina A. Solopova, Francesca Sylos-Labini, Pierre A. Guertin and Francesco Lacquaniti Pages 1753 - 1763 ( 11 )
In recent years, many researches put significant efforts into understanding and assessing the functional state of the spinal locomotor circuits in humans. Various techniques have been developed to stimulate the spinal cord circuitries, which may include both diffuse and quite specific tuning effects. Overall, the findings indicate that tonic and rhythmic spinal activity control are not separate phenomena but are closely integrated to properly initiate and sustain stepping. The spinal cord does not simply transmit information to and from the brain. Its physiologic state determines reflex, postural and locomotor control and, therefore, may affect the recovery of the locomotor function in individuals with spinal cord and brain injuries. This review summarizes studies that examine the rhythmogenesis capacity of cervical and lumbosacral neuronal circuitries in humans and its importance in developing central pattern generator-modulating therapies.
Central pattern generator, spinal cord, rhythmogenesis, muscle tone, neuromodulators, sensory input, Kohnstamm phenomenon, electromagnetic stimulation, locomotion.
Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, Rome 00179, Biomedical Engineering Department, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, Laboratory of Neurobiology of Motor Control, Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow 127994, Laboratory of Neurobiology of Motor Control, Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow 127994, Centre of Space Bio-medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Laval University, Québec City, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome