Version 1
: Received: 14 April 2022 / Approved: 15 April 2022 / Online: 15 April 2022 (10:40:53 CEST)
How to cite:
Garofolini, A.; Svanera, D. Neuro-Mechanical Control of Movement and Coordination: A New Perspective Based on Somatic Equilibrium Points. Preprints2022, 2022040144. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202204.0144.v1
Garofolini, A.; Svanera, D. Neuro-Mechanical Control of Movement and Coordination: A New Perspective Based on Somatic Equilibrium Points. Preprints 2022, 2022040144. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202204.0144.v1
Garofolini, A.; Svanera, D. Neuro-Mechanical Control of Movement and Coordination: A New Perspective Based on Somatic Equilibrium Points. Preprints2022, 2022040144. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202204.0144.v1
APA Style
Garofolini, A., & Svanera, D. (2022). Neuro-Mechanical Control of Movement and Coordination: A New Perspective Based on Somatic Equilibrium Points. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202204.0144.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Garofolini, A. and Daris Svanera. 2022 "Neuro-Mechanical Control of Movement and Coordination: A New Perspective Based on Somatic Equilibrium Points" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202204.0144.v1
Abstract
Despite more than hundred years of research since Sir Sherrington’s studies on reflexes, his questions are still somehow unanswered. On what anatomical stage do the play of spinal reflex interaction take place? What are the physiological properties of this anatomical substrate? In this paper, we address these questions in light of the most advanced theory of motor control and the anatomical discoveries on the fascia that are changing how we think about control of action and perception. There are two sides of the problem: the neurological (reflex) connections that are at the base of movement, and the anatomical substrate that regulates and coordinates the movement. We recently advanced a hypothesis on how these two elements are connected and how they interplay. Here we further explain the concept of the somatic equilibrium point – SEP – and its central role in movement control and coordination. It is our belief that the concept of SEP explains how the neuro-mechanical control of movement is organized at peripheral level. At this level, intrafusal and extrafusal muscle fibres are combined in myofascial units, organized in anatomical directions. Myofascial units are closed systems whose behaviour can be affected by neural (voluntary) control or changes in external forces. SEPs represent the intrinsic equilibrium of the myofascial units, and are connected through the continuum of the fascia so that mechanical transfer of tension from segment to segment pre-adjust muscle fibers length and hence their excitation level. This is how coordination between segments is achieved. Finally, we suggest SEPs create the neurological representation of the referent configuration for action, and configurations are linked to the architecture of the fascial system.
Keywords
reflex; proprioception; sensorimotor; muscle spindle; fascia; human
Subject
Biology and Life Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
