Dependence of gait pattern on the type of coupling between hind- and forelimb generators: Modelling study

Abstract

Dependence of gait pattern on the way of possible coupling between fore and hindlimb girdles was investigated. This dependence was analysed using the analog model of neuronal net of spinal generator. Both nets (i.e., for fore and hind girdles) could be synchronized by any coupling between the executive and intrinsic elements. However, only few of them assured generation of patterns corresponding to physiological gaits. Patterns corresponding to walk and trot were obtained with inhibitory connections from hind intrinsic elements to fore executive ones. Pace was obtained at the coupling connections directed from hind executive elements to fore ones. To obtain gallop it was necessary to couple fore executive elements with hind ones by inhibitory connections.