Neural Mechanisms of Locomotion: Insights and Innovations

This lecture provides an in-depth exploration of the neural mechanisms underlying locomotion, focusing on the role of epidural electrical stimulation in restoring movement. The instructor discusses the complexities of walking, emphasizing the importance of gravity and the inverted pendulum mechanism in human gait. The lecture highlights the case of a participant who became paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury and how electrical stimulation can reactivate the spinal cord to enable walking. The discussion extends to the development of a center dedicated to translational neural engineering, bridging research from animal models to human applications. The instructor elaborates on the reflexes involved in motor control, the significance of proprioceptive circuits, and the advancements in technology that facilitate real-time monitoring and control of spinal stimulation. The lecture concludes with insights into the future of rehabilitation technologies and the potential for improving mobility in individuals with spinal cord injuries through innovative approaches.