OUTPUT ELEMENTS OF SPINAL CIRCUITRY

正常的运动是由神经回路的相互作用产生的， 主要在脊髓和肌肉骨骼系统。作为一种手段 研究这种重要的相互作用，这个项目的目标是 将识别这个脊椎电路的输出元件， 脊椎肌肉骨骼系统的最小部分 电路可能会相互作用。特别是，我们将评估是否 通过分析，神经肌肉隔间可能作为输出元件发挥作用 它们的机械性能。猫的神经肌肉亚室 腓肠肌外侧和内侧肌与人 将桡侧腕屈肌和桡侧腕长伸肌 学习。使用多维力-力矩传感器，我们将确定 由隔室激活或刺激产生的扭矩 对于单个电动机组，在两个关节处大约有三个垂直轴 (脚踝和膝盖或手腕和肘部)由这些肌肉交叉。如果 隔间是输出要素，那么我们假设它们将发挥作用 机械效应，由这些扭矩测量，这是独一无二的， 当多个隔室一起被激活时，其不会改变。 我们还提议，一个车厢内的所有机动装置将 预计会对骨骼系统产生同样的力学效应，如果 隔间是输出元素。这项研究的结果将 也为PPG中的其他项目提供重要的背景数据 为确定产出要素提供了科学依据 脊椎环路。我们预计这些发现将有助于 运动学家研究神经运动对运动的阐述 系统和康复学家作为他们临床角色的一部分 涉及肌肉的治疗方式的应用。

Normal movement is produced by an interaction of neural circuits, primarily in the spinal cord, and the musculoskeletal system. As a means of investigating this important interaction, the goal of this project will be to identify output elements of this spinal circuitry, the smallest portions of the musculoskeletal system with which spinal circuits might interact. In particular we will evaluate whether neuromuscular compartments might function as output elements by analyzing their mechanical properties. Neuromuscular compartments in the cat lateral gastrocnemius and medial gastrocnemius muscles and the human flexor carpi radialis and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles will be studied. Using a multi-axis force-moment transducer, we will determine the torques, produced either by compartment activation or by stimulation of single motor units, about three orthogonal axes at both of the joints (ankle and knee or wrist and elbow) crossed by these muscles. If compartments are output elements, then we postulate that they will exert mechanical effects, as measured by these torques, which are unique, and which are not altered when multiple compartments are activated together. We propose also that all of the motor units in a compartment would be expected to exert the same mechanical effect on the skeletal system if the compartments are output elements. The results of this study will provide important background data for other projects in this PPG as well as providing a scientific basis for the identification of output elements of spinal circuits. We anticipate that these findings will be useful for movement scientists studying the elaboration of movement by the nervous system and by rehabilitationists who have as part of their clinical role the application of therapeutic modalities involving muscle.