Topic: quadrupedal locomotion

Quadrupedal locomotion arises from a complex interplay between spinal neuronal circuits, descending brain signals, musculoskeletal interactions, and sensory feedback, enabling adaptive speed and terrain dependent gait transitions. However, the underlying neural mechanisms involved in limb coordination are poorly understood. Here, we present a 3D closed-loop neuromechanical model of a mouse and use it to explore interactions between the spinal circuitry and afferent feedback and their role in interlimb coordination during quadrupedal locomotion. The spinal circuit model includes four rhythm gen

Long propriospinal neurons coordinate activities between limb-specific neural circuitry in the cervical and lumbar enlargement. Silencing of either ascending or descending long propriospinal neurons in intact rats results in a disruption of left–right coordination. Yet, their silencing after a moderate thoracic contusive injury significantly improves locomotion. The underlying mechanisms are unclear and further complicated by the context-dependency of the phenotypes, and likely involve afferent feedback and biomechanical constraints. Here, we present an integrated neurorobotic model of quadrup

The kinematics of straight-trajectory forward locomotion has been extensively studied, but the motor strategies used for changing direction have been rarely investigated. We recently found in the mouse that the stimulation of V2a reticulospinal neurons in the gigantocellular nucleus (V2aGRN) leads to locomotor turning. Nevertheless, the complete body movements associated with this induced behavior, and their relevance in the context of spontaneous locomotion, remain underexplored. We address this here, by characterizing and comparing, with 3D motion capture at high spatial and temporal resolut