Evidence for a spinal central pattern generator in humans

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1998 Nov 16:860:360-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb09062.x.

Abstract

Non-patterned electrical stimulation of the posterior structures of the lumbar spinal cord in subjects with complete, long-standing spinal cord injury, can induce patterned, locomotor-like activity. We show that epidural spinal cord stimulation can elicit step-like EMG activity and locomotor synergies in paraplegic subjects. An electrical train of stimuli applied over the second lumbar segment with a frequency of 25 to 60 Hz and an amplitude of 5-9 V was effective in inducing rhythmic, alternating stance and swing phases of the lower limbs. This finding suggests that spinal circuitry in humans has the capability of generating locomotor-like activity even when isolated from brain control, and that externally controlled sustained electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can replace the tonic drive generated by the brain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Adult
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Locomotion / physiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Neural Pathways
  • Paraplegia / physiopathology
  • Periodicity*
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Spinal Cord / cytology
  • Spinal Cord / physiology*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology*