Two-muscle coordination versus natural treadmill locomotion.

Abstract

When a single-muscle learned behavior was superimposed upon natural human treadmill locomotion, in previous work, it operated as a self-contained behavioral unit. The new behavior altered some features, however, of ongoing stepping patterns. These findings prompted broader consideration of how individual muscle actions combine to form large, patterned ensembles. Accordingly, the present experiment constructed a larger, double-muscle learned behavior to see if it would compete with natural treadmill locomotion or combine with it harmoniously. A demanding requirement was made for in-phase bilateral EMG and contraction by rectus femoris (RF), in opposition to its natural out-of-phase interlimb pattern. EMG bursts were controlled, through computer-assisted operant conditioning, by a flash shortly after left heel strike. The new, double ensemble was conditioned rapidly, within 1-6 days, for all four adults. Harmonious stepping continued, for the most part, with little alteration in step cycle timings. Leg positioning was modified appreciably, however, pointing to complex neural mechanisms. The evidence argued that operant conditioning can construct fine-grained behaviors and also participate powerfully across the full range of single- and interlimb coordination.