Abstract
A model of the stretch reflex based on detailed experimental studies of muscles, muscle receptors and reflex pathways has been analysed. Muscle receptors respond to the velocity and the acceleration of movement, as well as to muscle length. The effect of the velocity sensitivity on the stability of the stretch reflex is considered. It is concluded that the velocity sensitivity can compensate to some extent for the sluggishness of muscles and the delays introduced by reflex pathways. However, the value of velocity sensitivity found experimentally is greater than that required to stabilize the stretch reflex optimally. The velocity sensitivity will have some tendency to produce oscillation, and it is suggested that a small degree of oscillation may be beneficial to linearize muscle properties.
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Stein, R.B., Oĝuztöreli, M.N. Does the velocity sensitivity of muscle spindles stabilize the stretch reflex?. Biol. Cybernetics 23, 219–228 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00340338
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00340338