Spinal maps of motoneuron activity during human locomotion: neuromechanical considerations

Front Physiol. 2024 Jul 23:15:1389436. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1389436. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

The spatial segmental location of motoneurons in the human spinal cord is influenced by both evolutionary and functional principles tending to optimize motor control, reflex integration, and adaptation to the demands of movement. Bearing in mind the biomechanics of limb muscles, it is logical to examine how motoneuron activity clusters functionally during typical daily activities like walking. This article provides a summary of advancements in the study of spinal maps of motoneuron activation during human locomotion by reviewing data gathered over ∼20 years. The effects of child development, aging, and neurological disorders show the salient characteristics of spinal segmental activity during different human locomotor tasks and conditions. By exploiting the neuromechanics of the spinal motor circuits, that is, the link between motoneuron activity and gait mechanics, neuroprosthetics and other focused treatments may better help individuals with locomotor impairments.

Keywords: interactive locomotion; locomotion; motor pools; muscle innervation; neurorehabilitation; spinal cord; spinal cord imagery.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The work was supported by the Italian Ministry of Health (funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU - NRRP M6C2 - Investment 2.1 Enhancement and strengthening of biomedical research in the NHS, PNRR-POC-2022-12375705).