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A new method for the activation of the locomotor circuitry in humans

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Abstract

We examined the possibility of initiation of involuntary stepping movements by spinal electromagnetic stimulation (SEMS) during leg suspension. The subject’s legs were supported by a special apparatus in a gravity neutral position that to provide horizontal rotation in the hip, knee and ankle. SEMS (3 Hz and 1.56 Tesla) over the T11–T12 vertebrae induced involuntary locomotor_like movements in the legs. The latency period from the initiation of stimulation to the first EMG burst was 0.68 1.0 s. Increasing the frequency of SEMS from 3 Hz to 20 Hz resulted in shortening of the latency period. Thus, SEMS is able to initiate involuntary stepping in humans.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Velikie Luki State Academy of Physical Education and Sports, Velikie Luki, Pskov oblast, 182100, Russia

    R. M. Gorodnichev, E. N. Machueva, E. A. Pivovarova, D. V. Semenov & S. M. Ivanov

  2. Department of Physiological Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90024, USA

    V. R. Edgerton

  3. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia

    A. A. Savokhin & Yu. P. Gerasimenko

Authors
  1. R. M. Gorodnichev
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  2. E. N. Machueva
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  3. E. A. Pivovarova
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  4. D. V. Semenov
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  5. S. M. Ivanov
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  6. A. A. Savokhin
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  7. V. R. Edgerton
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  8. Yu. P. Gerasimenko
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Additional information

Original Russian Text © R.M. Gorodnichev, E.N. Machueva, E.A. Pivovarova, D.V. Semenov, S.M. Ivanov, A.A. Savokhin, V.R. Edgerton, Yu.P. Gerasimenko, 2010, published in Fiziologiya Cheloveka, 2010, Vol. 36, No. 6, pp. 95–103.

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Gorodnichev, R.M., Machueva, E.N., Pivovarova, E.A. et al. A new method for the activation of the locomotor circuitry in humans. Hum Physiol 36, 700–707 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0362119710060113

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0362119710060113

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