Research article summary (published 14 Sep 2007):

Optimal sensorimotor transformations for balance.

Full Abstract

Here we have identified a sensorimotor transformation that is used by a mammalian nervous system to produce a multijoint motor behavior. Using a simple biomechanical model, a delayed-feedback rule based on an optimal tradeoff between postural error and neural effort explained patterns of muscle activation in response to a sudden loss of balance in cats. Following the loss of large sensory afferents, changes in these muscle-activation patterns reflected an optimal reweighting of sensory feedback gains to minimize postural instability. Specifically, a loss of center-of-mass-acceleration information, which allowed for a rapid initial rise in the muscle activity in intact animals, was absent after large-fiber sensory neuropathy. Our results demonstrate that a simple and flexible neural feedback control strategy coordinates multiple muscles over time via a small set of extrinsic, task-level variables during complex multijoint natural movements.

Author information

Author/s: Lockhart, Daniel B (DB); Ting, Lena H (LH);

Affiliation: Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0535, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Nature neuroscience (Nat Neurosci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Oct; vol 10 (issue 10) : pp 1329-36

Dates: Created 2007/09/25; Completed 2008/01/24; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 17873869, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Nat Neurosci. 2007 Oct;10(10):1227-8. (PMID: 17893714)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals Biomechanics Cats Computer Simulation Electromyography - methods Feedback Male Models, Biological Movement - drug effects; physiology

Muscle Contraction - drug effects; physiology Muscle, Skeletal - drug effects; innervation; physiology Neurons, Afferent - drug effects; physiology Postural Balance - drug effects; physiology Posture - physiology Psychomotor Performance - drug effects; physiology Pyridoxine - pharmacology Sensation - drug effects; physiology Vitamin B Complex - pharmacology

Associated Chemicals: Vitamin B Complex (12001-76-2) ; Pyridoxine (65-23-6)

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