Assessing sensory function in locomotor systems using neuro-mechanical simulations

Computer simulations are being used increasingly to gain an understanding of the complex interactions between the neuronal, sensory, muscular and mechanical components of locomotor systems. Recent neuro-mechanical simulations of walking in humans, cats and insects, and of swimming in lampreys, have...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in neurosciences (Regular ed.) 2006-11, Vol.29 (11), p.625-631
Main Authors: Pearson, Keir, Ekeberg, Örjan, Büschges, Ansgar
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Biosensors
Computer Simulation
dynamical simulations
Electrodiagnosis. Electric activity recording
extensor activity
Feedback - physiology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
hip position
human walking
insect walking
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Locomotion - physiology
Mechanoreceptors - physiology
Medical sciences
Models, Biological
muscle coordination
Muscle, Skeletal - innervation
Muscle, Skeletal - physiology
Nervous system
Neurosciences
pattern generation
Petromyzontidae
Sensation - physiology
sensorimotor control
Sensory perception
Somesthesis and somesthetic pathways (proprioception, exteroception, nociception)
interoception
electrolocation. Sensory receptors
Spinal Cord - physiology
stance phase
swing phase
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
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Summary:Computer simulations are being used increasingly to gain an understanding of the complex interactions between the neuronal, sensory, muscular and mechanical components of locomotor systems. Recent neuro-mechanical simulations of walking in humans, cats and insects, and of swimming in lampreys, have provided new information on the functional role of specific groups of sensory receptors in regulating locomotion. As we discuss in this review, these studies also make it clear that a full understanding of the neural and mechanical mechanisms that underlie locomotion can be achieved only by using simulations in parallel with physiological investigations. The widespread implementation of this approach would be enhanced by the development of freely available and easy-to-use software tools.
ISSN:0166-2236
1878-108X
1878-108X
DOI:10.1016/j.tins.2006.08.007