Application of neural oscillators to study the effects of walking speed on rhythmic activations at the ankle.

Background: Spinal pattern generators (SPG) are neural networks in the spinal cord that do not require a central input from the brain to generate a motor output. We wanted to determine whether SPG can adapt to the changing motor demands from walking at different speeds, and performing silly walks.

Methods: An SPG model consisting of an oscillator made up of two neurons was utilised in this study; one neuron activates the soleus and the other activates the tibialis anterior.

Phasic bursting pattern of postural responses may reflect internal dynamics: simulation of trunk reflexes with a neural oscillator model.

Postural responses are usually investigated as reflexes. Several trials are averaged, and trial-to-trial variations are interpreted as noise. Several studies providing single-trial data plots revealed oscillations that may be cancelled out in averaged time series.

Neural oscillators triggered by loading and hip orientation can generate activation patterns at the ankle during walking in humans.

Spinal pattern generators (SPGs), which are neural networks without a central input from the brain may be responsible for controlling locomotion. In this study, we used neural oscillators to examine the rhythmic patterns generated at the ankle during walking. Seven healthy male subjects were requested to walk at their normal self-selected speed on a treadmill.