JN Watch the video to see how APS reaches out to developing nations.
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
 QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     


J Neurophysiol 83: 2814-2824, 2000;
0022-3077/00 $5.00
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in Web of Science
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Lamb, T.
Right arrow Articles by Yang, J. F.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Lamb, T.
Right arrow Articles by Yang, J. F.

The Journal of Neurophysiology Vol. 83 No. 5 May 2000, pp. 2814-2824
Copyright ©2000 by the American Physiological Society

Could Different Directions of Infant Stepping Be Controlled by the Same Locomotor Central Pattern Generator?

Tania Lamb1 and Jaynie F. Yang1,2

 1Division of Neuroscience and  2Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G4, Canada

Lamb, Tania and Jaynie F. Yang. Could Different Directions of Infant Stepping Be Controlled by the Same Locomotor Central Pattern Generator?. J. Neurophysiol. 83: 2814-2824, 2000. This study examined the idea of whether the same central pattern generator (CPG) for locomotion can control different directions of walking in humans. Fifty-two infants, aged 2-11 mo, were tested. Infants were supported to walk on a treadmill at a variety of speeds. If forward stepping was elicited, stepping in the other directions (primarily sideways and backward) was attempted. The orientation of the infant on the treadmill belt determined the direction of stepping. In some infants, we also attempted to obtain a smooth transition from one direction to another by gradually changing the orientation of the infant during a stepping sequence. Limb segment motion and surface electromyography from the muscles of the lower limb were recorded. Most infants who showed sustained forward walking also could walk in all other directions. Thirty-three of 34 infants tested could step sideways. The success of eliciting backward stepping was 69%. Most of the infants who did not meet our backward stepping criteria did, however, make stepping movements. The different directions of stepping had similar responses to changes in treadmill speed. The relationship between stance and swing phase durations and cycle duration were the same regardless of the direction of stepping across a range of speeds. Some differences were noted in the muscle activation patterns during different directions of walking. For example, the hamstrings were much more active during the swing phase of backward walking compared with forward walking. The quadriceps was more active in the trailing leg during sideways walking. In some infants, we were able to elicit stepping along a continuum of directions. We found no discrete differences in either the electromyographic patterns or the temporal parameters of stepping as the direction of stepping was gradually changed. The results support the idea that the same locomotor CPG controls different directions of stepping in human infants. The fact that most infants were able to step in all directions, the similarity in the response to speed changes, and the absence of any discrete changes as the direction of stepping was changed gradually are all consistent with this hypothesis.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
Age AgeingHome page
M. C. Carboncini, D. Volterrani, L. Bonfiglio, G. Barsotti, M. D. Porta, G. Mariani, and B. Rossi
Higher level gait disorders in subcortical chronic vascular encephalopathy: a single photon emission computed tomography study
Age Ageing, May 1, 2009; 38(3): 302 - 307.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
E. P. Zehr, J. E. Balter, D. P. Ferris, S. R. Hundza, P. M. Loadman, and R. H. Stoloff
Neural regulation of rhythmic arm and leg movement is conserved across human locomotor tasks
J. Physiol., July 1, 2007; 582(1): 209 - 227.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurophysiol.Home page
N. Dominici, Y. P. Ivanenko, and F. Lacquaniti
Control of Foot Trajectory in Walking Toddlers: Adaptation to Load Changes
J Neurophysiol, April 1, 2007; 97(4): 2790 - 2801.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurosci.Home page
J. F. Yang, E. V. Lamont, and M. Y. C. Pang
Split-Belt Treadmill Stepping in Infants Suggests Autonomous Pattern Generators for the Left and Right Leg in Humans
J. Neurosci., July 20, 2005; 25(29): 6869 - 6876.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurophysiol.Home page
Y. P. Ivanenko, N. Dominici, G. Cappellini, and F. Lacquaniti
Kinematics in Newly Walking Toddlers Does Not Depend Upon Postural Stability
J Neurophysiol, July 1, 2005; 94(1): 754 - 763.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurophysiol.Home page
E. P. Zehr and S. R. Hundza
Forward and Backward Arm Cycling Are Regulated by Equivalent Neural Mechanisms
J Neurophysiol, January 1, 2005; 93(1): 633 - 640.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
Y. P. Ivanenko, N. Dominici, G. Cappellini, B. Dan, G. Cheron, and F. Lacquaniti
Development of pendulum mechanism and kinematic coordination from the first unsupported steps in toddlers
J. Exp. Biol., October 1, 2004; 207(21): 3797 - 3810.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
NeuroscientistHome page
E. P. Zehr and J. Duysens
Regulation of Arm and Leg Movement during Human Locomotion
Neuroscientist, August 1, 2004; 10(4): 347 - 361.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurosci.Home page
M. Y. C. Pang and J. F. Yang
Sensory Gating for the Initiation of the Swing Phase in Different Directions of Human Infant Stepping
J. Neurosci., July 1, 2002; 22(13): 5734 - 5740.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ptjournalHome page
E. C. Field-Fote and D. Tepavac
Improved Intralimb Coordination in People With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Following Training With Body Weight Support and Electrical Stimulation
Physical Therapy, July 1, 2002; 82(7): 707 - 715.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]




HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Visit Other APS Journals Online