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Walas K. Legged robots beyond bioinspiration. Sci Robot 2024; 9:eadp1956. [PMID: 38657089 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adp1956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Advances in engineering enable wheeled-legged hybrid locomotion, an achievement not feasible in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Walas
- Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
- IDEAS NCBR, Warsaw, Poland
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2
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Petersen JC, Jayne BC, Wilde AD, Capano JG, Roberts TJ. Effects of ingesting large prey on the kinematics of rectilinear locomotion in Boa constrictor. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb247042. [PMID: 38563306 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Large and stout snakes commonly consume large prey and use rectilinear crawling; yet, whether body wall distention after feeding impairs rectilinear locomotion is poorly understood. After eating large prey (30-37% body mass), all Boa constrictor tested could perform rectilinear locomotion in the region with the food bolus despite a greatly increased distance between the ribs and the ventral skin that likely lengthens muscles relevant to propulsion. Unexpectedly, out of 11 kinematic variables, only two changed significantly (P<0.05) after feeding: cyclic changes in snake height increased by more than 1.5 times and the longitudinal movements of the ventral skin relative to the skeleton decreased by more than 25%. Additionally, cyclic changes in snake width suggest that the ribs are active and mobile during rectilinear locomotion, particularly in fed snakes, but also in unfed snakes. These kinematic changes suggest that rectilinear actuators reorient more vertically and undergo smaller longitudinal excursions following large prey ingestion, both of which likely act to reduce elongation of these muscles that may otherwise experience substantial strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod C Petersen
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Bruce C Jayne
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Alexander D Wilde
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - John G Capano
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Thomas J Roberts
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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3
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Young MW, Dickinson E, Gustafson JA, Granatosky MC. Center of mass position does not drive energetic costs during climbing. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246943. [PMID: 38511508 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Climbing animals theoretically should optimize the energetic costs of vertical climbing while also maintaining stability. Many modifications to climbing behaviors have been proposed as methods of satisfying these criteria, focusing on controlling the center of mass (COM) during ascent. However, the link between COM movements and metabolic energy costs has yet to be evaluated empirically. In this study, we manipulated climbing conditions across three experimental setups to elicit changes in COM position, and measured the impact of these changes upon metabolic costs across a sample of 14 humans. Metabolic energy was assessed via open flow respirometry, while COM movements were tracked both automatically and manually. Our findings demonstrate that, despite inducing variation in COM position, the energetic costs of climbing remained consistent across all three setups. Differences in energetic costs were similarly not affected by body mass; however, velocity had a significant impact upon both cost of transport and cost of locomotion, but such a relationship disappeared when accounting for metabolic costs per stride. These findings suggest that climbing has inescapable metabolic demands driven by gaining height, and that attempts to mitigate such a cost, with perhaps the exception of increasing speed, have only minimal impacts. We also demonstrate that metabolic and mechanical energy costs are largely uncorrelated. Collectively, we argue that these data refute the idea that efficient locomotion is the primary aim during climbing. Instead, adaptations towards effective climbing should focus on stability and reducing the risk of falling, as opposed to enhancing the metabolic efficiency of locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody W Young
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
| | - Edwin Dickinson
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
| | - Jon A Gustafson
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
| | - Michael C Granatosky
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
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4
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Hoving JJA, Harford-Wright E, Wingfield-Digby P, Cattin AL, Campana M, Power A, Morgan T, Torchiaro E, Quereda V, Lloyd AC. N-cadherin directs the collective Schwann cell migration required for nerve regeneration through Slit2/3-mediated contact inhibition of locomotion. eLife 2024; 13:e88872. [PMID: 38591541 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Collective cell migration is fundamental for the development of organisms and in the adult for tissue regeneration and in pathological conditions such as cancer. Migration as a coherent group requires the maintenance of cell-cell interactions, while contact inhibition of locomotion (CIL), a local repulsive force, can propel the group forward. Here we show that the cell-cell interaction molecule, N-cadherin, regulates both adhesion and repulsion processes during Schwann cell (SC) collective migration, which is required for peripheral nerve regeneration. However, distinct from its role in cell-cell adhesion, the repulsion process is independent of N-cadherin trans-homodimerisation and the associated adherens junction complex. Rather, the extracellular domain of N-cadherin is required to present the repulsive Slit2/Slit3 signal at the cell surface. Inhibiting Slit2/Slit3 signalling inhibits CIL and subsequently collective SC migration, resulting in adherent, nonmigratory cell clusters. Moreover, analysis of ex vivo explants from mice following sciatic nerve injury showed that inhibition of Slit2 decreased SC collective migration and increased clustering of SCs within the nerve bridge. These findings provide insight into how opposing signals can mediate collective cell migration and how CIL pathways are promising targets for inhibiting pathological cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian J A Hoving
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Harford-Wright
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Wingfield-Digby
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne-Laure Cattin
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariana Campana
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Power
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Toby Morgan
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erica Torchiaro
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victor Quereda
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison C Lloyd
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Druelle F, Leti I, Bokika Ngawolo JC, Narat V. Vertical climbing in free-ranging bonobos: An exploratory study integrating locomotor performance and substrate compliance. Am J Biol Anthropol 2024; 183:e24894. [PMID: 38180148 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ecological factors and body size shape animal movement and adaptation. Large primates such as bonobos excel in navigating the demanding substrates of arboreal habitats. However, current approaches lack comprehensive assessment of climbing performance in free-ranging individuals, limiting our understanding of locomotor adaptations. This study aims to explore climbing performance in free-ranging bonobos and how substrate properties affect their behavior. METHODS We collected data on the climbing performance of habituated bonobos, Pan paniscus, in the Bolobo Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo. We analyzed 46 climbing bouts (12 ascents, 34 descents) while moving on vertical substrates of varying diameter and compliance levels. This study assessed the average speed, peak acceleration, resting postures, and transitions between climbing and other locomotor modes. RESULTS During climbing sequences and transitions, bonobos mitigate speed variations. They also exhibit regular pauses during climbing and show higher speeds during descent in contrast to their ascent. Regarding the influence of substrate properties, bonobos exhibit higher speed when ascending on thin and slightly flexible substrates, while they appear to achieve higher speeds when descending on large and stiff substrates, by using a "fire-pole slide" submode. DISCUSSION Bonobos demonstrate remarkable abilities for negotiating vertical substrates and substrate properties influence their performance. Our results support the idea that bonobos adopt a behavioral strategy that aligns with the notion of minimizing costs. Overall, the adoption of high velocities and the use of low-cost resting postures may reduce muscle fatigue. These aspects could represent important targets of selection to ensure ecological efficiency in bonobos.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Druelle
- Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique, UMR 7194, CNRS-MNHN-UPVD, Paris, France
- Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Innocent Leti
- NGO Mbou-Mon-Tour, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Victor Narat
- Eco-Anthropologie, UMR 7206, MNHN-CNRS-Univ. Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Bonobo Eco, Saint Brice sur Vienne, Vienne, France
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Dussault-Picard C, Pouliot-Laforte A, Cherriere C, Houle E, Ballaz L. Locomotion Efficiency in Children With Cerebral Palsy Experiencing Limited Gross Motor Function: Walking Versus Cycling. Pediatr Phys Ther 2024; 36:274-277. [PMID: 38460146 DOI: 10.1097/pep.0000000000001096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study compares cycling and walking efficiency, and energy expenditure in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). In children with CP, locomotion with body weight support aids such as a tricycle is a potential alternative for less exhausting movements. METHODS Nine children with CP traveled at comfortable speed for 6 minutes by cycling and walking. The energy expenditure index (EEI) and the percentage of the reserve heart rate (%HRR) were calculated. RESULTS The EEI was lower while cycling than walking, the traveled distance was higher while cycling than walking, and %HRR remained similar between cycling and walking. CONCLUSION Cycling appears an efficient alternative to walking for children with CP for adapted school environments and in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cloé Dussault-Picard
- Department Of Physical Activity Sciences (Mss Dussault-Picard and Pouliot-Laforte and Mr Ballaz), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Center of Research of Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center (Mss Dussault-Picard, Pouliot-Laforte, Cherrière, and Houle and Mr Ballaz), Montreal, Canada
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Palacios ER, Chadderton P, Friston K, Houghton C. Cerebellar state estimation enables resilient coupling across behavioural domains. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6641. [PMID: 38503802 PMCID: PMC10951354 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56811-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar computations are necessary for fine behavioural control and may rely on internal models for estimation of behaviourally relevant states. Here, we propose that the central cerebellar function is to estimate how states interact with each other, and to use these estimates to coordinates extra-cerebellar neuronal dynamics underpinning a range of interconnected behaviours. To support this claim, we describe a cerebellar model for state estimation that includes state interactions, and link this model with the neuronal architecture and dynamics observed empirically. This is formalised using the free energy principle, which provides a dual perspective on a system in terms of both the dynamics of its physical-in this case neuronal-states, and the inferential process they entail. As a demonstration of this proposal, we simulate cerebellar-dependent synchronisation of whisking and respiration, which are known to be tightly coupled in rodents, as well as limb and tail coordination during locomotion. In summary, we propose that the ubiquitous involvement of the cerebellum in behaviour arises from its central role in precisely coupling behavioural domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensor Rafael Palacios
- University of Bristol, School of Physiology Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
| | - Paul Chadderton
- University of Bristol, School of Physiology Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Karl Friston
- UCL, Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, London, WC1N 3AR, UK
| | - Conor Houghton
- University of Bristol, Department of Computer Science, Bristol, BS8 1UB, UK
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8
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Petratou D, Fragkiadaki P, Lionaki E, Tavernarakis N. Assessing locomotory rate in response to food for the identification of neuronal and muscular defects in C. elegans. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102801. [PMID: 38159271 PMCID: PMC10805661 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
C. elegans is a bacteria-eating soil-dwelling nematode. Typical cultivation of laboratory-reared populations occurs on bacteria-covered solid media, where they move along with sinusoidal undulations. Nematodes decelerate when they encounter food. Dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission regulate this behavior. Here, we describe the procedure for determining food-dependent locomotion rate of fed and fasting nematodes. We detail steps for assay plate preparation, C. elegans synchronization, and assessment of locomotion. The behaviors we describe provide information regarding the animal's physiological neuronal and muscular function. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Petratou et al. (2023)1 and Sawin et al. (2000).2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysia Petratou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, 70013 Crete, Greece; Department of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece
| | - Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Department of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece
| | - Eirini Lionaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, 70013 Crete, Greece
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, 70013 Crete, Greece; Department of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece.
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9
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Skiadopoulos A, Knikou M. Tapping into the human spinal locomotor centres with transspinal stimulation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5990. [PMID: 38472313 PMCID: PMC10933285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56579-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Human locomotion is controlled by spinal neuronal networks of similar properties, function, and organization to those described in animals. Transspinal stimulation affects the spinal locomotor networks and is used to improve standing and walking ability in paralyzed people. However, the function of locomotor centers during transspinal stimulation at different frequencies and intensities is not known. Here, we document the 3D joint kinematics and spatiotemporal gait characteristics during transspinal stimulation at 15, 30, and 50 Hz at sub-threshold and supra-threshold stimulation intensities. We document the temporal structure of gait patterns, dynamic stability of joint movements over stride-to-stride fluctuations, and limb coordination during walking at a self-selected speed in healthy subjects. We found that transspinal stimulation (1) affects the kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle joints, (2) promotes a more stable coordination at the left ankle, (3) affects interlimb coordination of the thighs, and (4) intralimb coordination between thigh and foot, (5) promotes greater dynamic stability of the hips, (6) increases the persistence of fluctuations in step length variability, and lastly (7) affects mechanical walking stability. These results support that transspinal stimulation is an important neuromodulatory strategy that directly affects gait symmetry and dynamic stability. The conservation of main effects at different frequencies and intensities calls for systematic investigation of stimulation protocols for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Skiadopoulos
- Klab4Recovery Research Program, The City University of New York, New York, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Maria Knikou
- Klab4Recovery Research Program, The City University of New York, New York, USA.
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, USA.
- PhD Program in Biology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, Graduate Center of The City University of New York and College of Staten Island, New York, USA.
- Klab4Recovery Research Program, Neurosciences/Graduate Center of CUNY, DPT Department/College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd, 5N-207, New York, 10314, USA.
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Davidson MJ, Verstraten FAJ, Alais D. Walking modulates visual detection performance according to stride cycle phase. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2027. [PMID: 38453900 PMCID: PMC10920920 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45780-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Walking is among our most frequent and natural of voluntary behaviours, yet the consequences of locomotion upon perceptual and cognitive function remain largely unknown. Recent work has highlighted that although walking feels smooth and continuous, critical phases exist within each step for the successful coordination of perceptual and motor function. Here, we test whether these phasic demands impact upon visual perception, by assessing performance in a visual detection task during natural unencumbered walking. We finely sample visual performance over the stride cycle as participants walk along a smooth linear path at a comfortable speed in a wireless virtual reality environment. At the group-level, accuracy, reaction times, and response likelihood show strong oscillations, modulating at approximately 2 cycles per stride (~2 Hz) with a marked phase of optimal performance aligned with the swing phase of each step. At the participant level, Bayesian inference of population prevalence reveals highly prevalent oscillations in visual detection performance that cluster in two idiosyncratic frequency ranges (2 or 4 cycles per stride), with a strong phase alignment across participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Alais
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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11
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Montgomery JC. Roles for cerebellum and subsumption architecture in central pattern generation. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2024; 210:315-324. [PMID: 37130955 PMCID: PMC10994996 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-023-01634-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Within vertebrates, central pattern generators drive rhythmical behaviours, such as locomotion and ventilation. Their pattern generation is also influenced by sensory input and various forms of neuromodulation. These capabilities arose early in vertebrate evolution, preceding the evolution of the cerebellum in jawed vertebrates. This later evolution of the cerebellum is suggestive of subsumption architecture that adds functionality to a pre-existing network. From a central-pattern-generator perspective, what additional functionality might the cerebellum provide? The suggestion is that the adaptive filter capabilities of the cerebellum may be able to use error learning to appropriately repurpose pattern output. Examples may include head and eye stabilization during locomotion, song learning, and context-dependent alternation between learnt motor-control sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Montgomery
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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12
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Hassinan CW, Sterrett SC, Summy B, Khera A, Wang A, Bai J. Dimensionality of locomotor behaviors in developing C. elegans. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011906. [PMID: 38437243 PMCID: PMC10939432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult animals display robust locomotion, yet the timeline and mechanisms of how juvenile animals acquire coordinated movements and how these movements evolve during development are not well understood. Recent advances in quantitative behavioral analyses have paved the way for investigating complex natural behaviors like locomotion. In this study, we tracked the swimming and crawling behaviors of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans from postembryonic development through to adulthood. Our principal component analyses revealed that adult C. elegans swimming is low dimensional, suggesting that a small number of distinct postures, or eigenworms, account for most of the variance in the body shapes that constitute swimming behavior. Additionally, we found that crawling behavior in adult C. elegans is similarly low dimensional, corroborating previous studies. Further, our analysis revealed that swimming and crawling are distinguishable within the eigenworm space. Remarkably, young L1 larvae are capable of producing the postural shapes for swimming and crawling seen in adults, despite frequent instances of uncoordinated body movements. In contrast, late L1 larvae exhibit robust coordination of locomotion, while many neurons crucial for adult locomotion are still under development. In conclusion, this study establishes a comprehensive quantitative behavioral framework for understanding the neural basis of locomotor development, including distinct gaits such as swimming and crawling in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cera W Hassinan
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Scott C Sterrett
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Brennan Summy
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Arnav Khera
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Angie Wang
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Pomona College, Claremont, California, United States of America
| | - Jihong Bai
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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13
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Joo S, Kim T. The effect of anthropogenic substrate-borne vibrations on locomotion of the fiddler crab Austruca lactea. Mar Pollut Bull 2024; 200:116107. [PMID: 38330812 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The anthropogenic construction activities on the coasts, such as pile-driving, generate vibrations that propagate through the substrate. Such substrate-borne vibrations could potentially affect marine organisms inhabiting the benthic environments. However, there is a lack of documented studies on the effects of vibrations on benthic animals. To investigate whether anthropogenic substrate-borne vibrations such as pile-driving operation influence the fiddler crab, Austruca lactea, we measured their locomotion response under vibrations of 35, 120, 250, 500, and 750 Hz generated by a vibrator. We compared the locomotion of crabs between control and vibration-treatment groups using videography. The duration of movements was significantly lower under 120 Hz vibrations compared to the control. Moreover, crab velocity was significantly higher under vibrations of 120 Hz and 250 Hz compared to the control group. Our result suggests that A. lactea can detect low-frequency substrate-borne vibrations and experience stress, leading to increased energy consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soobin Joo
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Taewon Kim
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
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Ellmers TJ, Durkin M, Sriranganathan K, Harris DJ, Bronstein AM. The influence of postural threat-induced anxiety on locomotor learning and updating. J Neurophysiol 2024; 131:562-575. [PMID: 38324891 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00364.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to adapt our locomotion in a feedforward (i.e., "predictive") manner is crucial for safe and efficient walking behavior. Equally important is the ability to quickly deadapt and update behavior that is no longer appropriate for the given context. It has been suggested that anxiety induced via postural threat may play a fundamental role in disrupting such deadaptation. We tested this hypothesis, using the "broken escalator" phenomenon: Fifty-six healthy young adults walked onto a stationary walkway ("BEFORE" condition, 5 trials), then onto a moving walkway akin to an airport travelator ("MOVING" condition, 10 trials), and then again onto the stationary walkway ("AFTER" condition, 5 trials). Participants completed all trials while wearing a virtual reality headset, which was used to induce postural threat-related anxiety (raised clifflike drop at the end of the walkway) during different phases of the paradigm. We found that performing the locomotor adaptation phase in a state of increased threat disrupted subsequent deadaptation during AFTER trials: These participants displayed anticipatory muscular activity as if expecting the platform to move and exhibited inappropriate anticipatory forward trunk movement that persisted during multiple AFTER trials. In contrast, postural threat induced during AFTER trials did not affect behavioral or neurophysiological outcomes. These findings highlight that actions learned in the presence of postural threat-induced anxiety are strengthened, leading to difficulties in deadapting these behaviors when no longer appropriate. Given the associations between anxiety and persistent maladaptive gait behaviors (e.g., "overly cautious" gait, functional gait disorders), the findings have implications for the understanding of such conditions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Safe and efficient locomotion frequently requires movements to be adapted in a feedforward (i.e., "predictive") manner. These adaptations are not always correct, and thus inappropriate behavior must be quickly updated. Here we showed that increased threat disrupts this process. We found that locomotor actions learned in the presence of postural threat-induced anxiety are strengthened, subsequently impairing one's ability to update (or "deadapt") these actions when they are no longer appropriate for the current context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby J Ellmers
- Centre for Vestibular Neurology, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Morgan Durkin
- Centre for Vestibular Neurology, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karthigan Sriranganathan
- Centre for Vestibular Neurology, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J Harris
- Public Health and Sport Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Adolfo M Bronstein
- Centre for Vestibular Neurology, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Anuszczyk SR, Dabiri JO. Electromechanical enhancement of live jellyfish for ocean exploration. Bioinspir Biomim 2024; 19:026018. [PMID: 38330441 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad277f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The vast majority of the ocean's volume remains unexplored, in part because of limitations on the vertical range and measurement duration of existing robotic platforms. In light of the accelerating rate of climate change impacts on the physics and biogeochemistry of the ocean, the need for new tools that can measure more of the ocean on faster timescales is becoming pressing. Robotic platforms inspired or enabled by aquatic organisms have the potential to augment conventional technologies for ocean exploration. Recent work demonstrated the feasibility of directly stimulating the muscle tissue of live jellyfish via implanted microelectronics. We present a biohybrid robotic jellyfish that leverages this external electrical swimming control, while also using a 3D printed passive mechanical attachment to streamline the jellyfish shape, increase swimming performance, and significantly enhance payload capacity. A six-meter-tall, 13 600 l saltwater facility was constructed to enable testing of the vertical swimming capabilities of the biohybrid robotic jellyfish over distances exceeding 35 body diameters. We found that the combination of external swimming control and the addition of the mechanical forebody resulted in an increase in swimming speeds to 4.5 times natural jellyfish locomotion. Moreover, the biohybrid jellyfish were capable of carrying a payload volume up to 105% of the jellyfish body volume. The added payload decreased the intracycle acceleration of the biohybrid robots relative to natural jellyfish, which could also facilitate more precise measurements by onboard sensors that depend on consistent platform motion. While many robotic exploration tools are limited by cost, energy expenditure, and varying oceanic environmental conditions, this platform is inexpensive, highly efficient, and benefits from the widespread natural habitats of jellyfish. The demonstrated performance of these biohybrid robots suggests an opportunity to expand the set of robotic tools for comprehensive monitoring of the changing ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon R Anuszczyk
- Graduate Aerospace Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States of America
| | - John O Dabiri
- Graduate Aerospace Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States of America
- Mechanical and Civil Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States of America
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16
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Ruthe A, Mantziaris C, Büschges A. The synaptic drive of central pattern-generating networks to leg motor neurons of a walking insect is motor neuron pool specific. Curr Biol 2024; 34:910-915.e2. [PMID: 38307023 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Rhythmic locomotor activity, such as flying, swimming, or walking, results from an interplay between higher-order centers in the central nervous system, which initiate, maintain, and modify task-specific motor activity, downstream central pattern-generating neural circuits (CPGs) that can generate a default rhythmic motor output, and, finally, feedback from sense organs that modify basic motor activity toward functionality.1,2,3 In this context, CPGs provide phasic synaptic drive to motor neurons (MNs) and thereby support the generation of rhythmic activity for locomotion. We analyzed the synaptic drive that the leg MNs supplying the three main leg joints receive from CPGs in pharmacologically activated and deafferented preparations of the stick insect (Carausius morosus). We show that premotor CPGs pattern the tonic activity of five of the six leg MN pools by phasic inhibitory synaptic drive. These are the antagonistic MN pools supplying the thoraco-coxal joint and the femur-tibial joint4,5 and the levator MN pool supplying the coxa-trochanteral (CTr) joint. In contrast, rhythmic activity of the depressor MN pool supplying the CTr joint was found to be primarily based on a phasic excitatory drive. This difference is likely related to the pivotal role of the depressor muscle in generating leg stance during any walking situation. Thus, our results provide evidence for qualitatively differing mechanisms to generate rhythmic activity between MN pools in the same locomotor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Ruthe
- Biocenter Cologne, Institute of Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Charalampos Mantziaris
- Biocenter Cologne, Institute of Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ansgar Büschges
- Biocenter Cologne, Institute of Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
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17
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Brezovec BE, Berger AB, Hao YA, Chen F, Druckmann S, Clandinin TR. Mapping the neural dynamics of locomotion across the Drosophila brain. Curr Biol 2024; 34:710-726.e4. [PMID: 38242122 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Locomotion engages widely distributed networks of neurons. However, our understanding of the spatial architecture and temporal dynamics of the networks that underpin walking remains incomplete. We use volumetric two-photon imaging to map neural activity associated with walking across the entire brain of Drosophila. We define spatially clustered neural signals selectively associated with changes in either forward or angular velocity, demonstrating that neurons with similar behavioral selectivity are clustered. These signals reveal distinct topographic maps in diverse brain regions involved in navigation, memory, sensory processing, and motor control, as well as regions not previously linked to locomotion. We identify temporal trajectories of neural activity that sweep across these maps, including signals that anticipate future movement, representing the sequential engagement of clusters with different behavioral specificities. Finally, we register these maps to a connectome and identify neural networks that we propose underlie the observed signals, setting a foundation for subsequent circuit dissection. Overall, our work suggests a spatiotemporal framework for the emergence and execution of complex walking maneuvers and links this brain-wide neural activity to single neurons and local circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bella E Brezovec
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Fairchild D200, 299 W. Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrew B Berger
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Fairchild D200, 299 W. Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yukun A Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Fairchild D200, 299 W. Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Fairchild D200, 299 W. Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Shaul Druckmann
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Fairchild D200, 299 W. Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Thomas R Clandinin
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Fairchild D200, 299 W. Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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18
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Lemieux M, Karimi N, Bretzner F. Functional plasticity of glutamatergic neurons of medullary reticular nuclei after spinal cord injury in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1542. [PMID: 38378819 PMCID: PMC10879492 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury disrupts the descending command from the brain and causes a range of motor deficits. Here, we use optogenetic tools to investigate the functional plasticity of the glutamatergic reticulospinal drive of the medullary reticular formation after a lateral thoracic hemisection in female mice. Sites evoking stronger excitatory descending drive in intact conditions are the most impaired after injury, whereas those associated with a weaker drive are potentiated. After lesion, pro- and anti-locomotor activities (that is, initiation/acceleration versus stop/deceleration) are overall preserved. Activating the descending reticulospinal drive improves stepping ability on a flat surface of chronically impaired injured mice, and its priming enhances recovery of skilled locomotion on a horizontal ladder. This study highlights the resilience and capacity for reorganization of the glutamatergic reticulospinal command after injury, along with its suitability as a therapeutical target to promote functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Lemieux
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Narges Karimi
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Frederic Bretzner
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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19
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Mistretta OC, Wood RL, English AW, Alvarez FJ. Air-stepping in the neonatal mouse: a powerful tool for analyzing early stages of rhythmic limb movement development. J Neurophysiol 2024; 131:321-337. [PMID: 38198656 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00227.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of experimental methods in genetically tractable mouse models to analyze the developmental period at which newborns mature weight-bearing locomotion. To overcome this deficit, we introduce methods to study l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA)-induced air-stepping in mice at postnatal day (P)7 and P10. Air-stepping is a stereotypic rhythmic behavior that resembles mouse walking overground locomotion but without constraints imposed by weight bearing, postural adjustments, or sensory feedback. We propose that air-stepping represents the functional organization of early spinal circuits coordinating limb movements. After subcutaneous injection of l-DOPA (0.5 mg/g), we recorded air-stepping movements in all four limbs and electromyographic (EMG) activity from ankle flexor (tibialis anterior, TA) and extensor (lateral gastrocnemius, LG) muscles. Using DeepLabCut pose estimation, we analyzed rhythmicity and limb coordination. We demonstrate steady rhythmic stepping of similar duration from P7 to P10 but with some fine-tuning of interlimb coordination with age. Hindlimb joints undergo a greater range of flexion at older ages, indicating maturation of flexion-extension cycles as the animal starts to walk. EMG recordings of TA and LG show alternation but with more focused activation particularly in the LG from P7 to P10. We discuss similarities to neonatal rat l-DOPA-induced air-stepping and infant assisted walking. We conclude that limb coordination and muscle activations recorded with this method represent basic spinal cord circuitry for limb control in neonates and pave the way for future investigations on the development of rhythmic limb control in genetic or disease models with correctly or erroneously developing motor circuitry.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We present novel methods to study neonatal air-stepping in newborn mice. These methods allow analyses at the onset of limb coordination during the period in which altricial species like rats, mice, and humans "learn" to walk. The methods will be useful to test a large variety of mutations that serve as models of motor disease in newborns or that are used to probe for specific circuit mechanisms that generate coordinated limb motor output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia C Mistretta
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Ryan L Wood
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Arthur W English
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Francisco J Alvarez
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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20
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Westeinde EA, Kellogg E, Dawson PM, Lu J, Hamburg L, Midler B, Druckmann S, Wilson RI. Transforming a head direction signal into a goal-oriented steering command. Nature 2024; 626:819-826. [PMID: 38326621 PMCID: PMC10881397 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07039-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
To navigate, we must continuously estimate the direction we are headed in, and we must correct deviations from our goal1. Direction estimation is accomplished by ring attractor networks in the head direction system2,3. However, we do not fully understand how the sense of direction is used to guide action. Drosophila connectome analyses4,5 reveal three cell populations (PFL3R, PFL3L and PFL2) that connect the head direction system to the locomotor system. Here we use imaging, electrophysiology and chemogenetic stimulation during navigation to show how these populations function. Each population receives a shifted copy of the head direction vector, such that their three reference frames are shifted approximately 120° relative to each other. Each cell type then compares its own head direction vector with a common goal vector; specifically, it evaluates the congruence of these vectors via a nonlinear transformation. The output of all three cell populations is then combined to generate locomotor commands. PFL3R cells are recruited when the fly is oriented to the left of its goal, and their activity drives rightward turning; the reverse is true for PFL3L. Meanwhile, PFL2 cells increase steering speed, and are recruited when the fly is oriented far from its goal. PFL2 cells adaptively increase the strength of steering as directional error increases, effectively managing the tradeoff between speed and accuracy. Together, our results show how a map of space in the brain can be combined with an internal goal to generate action commands, via a transformation from world-centric coordinates to body-centric coordinates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Kellogg
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul M Dawson
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jenny Lu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lydia Hamburg
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Midler
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shaul Druckmann
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rachel I Wilson
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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21
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Wang R, Xiao H, Quan X, Gao J, Fukuda T, Shi Q. Bioinspired Soft Spine Enables Small-Scale Robotic Rat to Conquer Challenging Environments. Soft Robot 2024; 11:70-84. [PMID: 37477672 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2022.0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
For decades, it has been difficult for small-scale legged robots to conquer challenging environments. To solve this problem, we propose the introduction of a bioinspired soft spine into a small-scale legged robot. By capturing the motion mechanism of rat erector spinae muscles and vertebrae, we designed a cable-driven centrally symmetric soft spine under limited volume and integrated it into our previous robotic rat SQuRo. We called this newly updated robot SQuRo-S. Because of the coupling compliant spine bending and leg locomotion, the environmental adaptability of SQuRo-S significantly improved. We conducted a series of experiments on challenging environments to verify the performance of SQuRo-S. The results demonstrated that SQuRo-S crossed an obstacle of 1.07 body height, thereby outperforming most small-scale legged robots. Remarkably, SQuRo-S traversed a narrow space of 0.86 body width. To the best of our knowledge, SQuRo-S is the first quadruped robot of this scale that is capable of traversing a narrow space with a width smaller than its own width. Moreover, SQuRo-S demonstrated stable walking on mud-sand, pipes, and slopes (20°), and resisted strong external impact and repositioned itself in various body postures. This work provides a new paradigm for enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of small-scale legged robots with spine in challenging environments, and can be easily generalized to the design and development of legged robots with spine of different scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Intelligent Robotics Institute, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xiaolong Quan
- Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Intelligent Robotics Institute, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Junhui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Intelligent Robotics Institute, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Toshio Fukuda
- Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Intelligent Robotics Institute, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Shi
- Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing, China
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22
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Aidan Y, Bleichman I, Ayali A. Pausing to swarm: locust intermittent motion is instrumental for swarming-related visual processing. Biol Lett 2024; 20:20230468. [PMID: 38378141 PMCID: PMC10878801 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Intermittent motion is prevalent in animal locomotion. Of special interest is the case of collective motion, in which social and environmental information must be processed in order to establish coordinated movement. We explored this nexus in locust, focusing on how intermittent motion interacts with swarming-related visual-based decision-making. Using a novel approach, we compared individual locust behaviour in response to continuously moving stimuli, with their response in semi-closed-loop conditions, in which the stimuli moved either in phase with the locust walking, or out of phase, i.e. only during the locust's pauses. Our findings clearly indicate the greater tendency of a locust to respond and 'join the swarming motion' when the visual stimuli were presented during its pauses. Hence, the current study strongly confirms previous indications of the dominant role of pauses in the collective motion-related decision-making of locusts. The presented insights contribute to a deeper general understanding of how intermittent motion contributes to group cohesion and coordination in animal swarms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossef Aidan
- School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Itay Bleichman
- School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Amir Ayali
- School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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23
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Hinnekens E, Berret B, Morard E, Do MC, Barbu-Roth M, Teulier C. Optimization of modularity during development to simplify walking control across multiple steps. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 17:1340298. [PMID: 38343616 PMCID: PMC10853381 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1340298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Walking in adults relies on a small number of modules, reducing the number of degrees of freedom that needs to be regulated by the central nervous system (CNS). While walking in toddlers seems to also involve a small number of modules when considering averaged or single-step data, toddlers produce a high amount of variability across strides, and the extent to which this variability interacts with modularity remains unclear. Methods Electromyographic activity from 10 bilateral lower limb muscles was recorded in both adults (n = 12) and toddlers (n = 12) over 8 gait cycles. Toddlers were recorded while walking independently and while being supported by an adult. This condition was implemented to assess if motor variability persisted with reduced balance constraints, suggesting a potential central origin rather than reliance on peripheral regulations. We used non-negative matrix factorization to model the underlying modular command with the Space-by-Time Decomposition method, with or without averaging data, and compared the modular organization of toddlers and adults during multiple walking strides. Results Toddlers were more variable in both conditions (i.e. independent walking and supported by an adult) and required significantly more modules to account for their greater stride-by-stride variability. Activations of these modules varied more across strides and were less parsimonious compared to adults, even with diminished balance constraints. Discussion The findings suggest that modular control of locomotion evolves between toddlerhood and adulthood as the organism develops and practices. Adults seem to be able to generate several strides of walking with less modules than toddlers. The persistence of variability in toddlers when balance constraints were lowered suggests a link with the ability to explore rather than with corrective mechanisms. In conclusion, the capacity of new walkers to flexibly activate their motor command suggests a broader range of possible actions, though distinguishing between modular and non-modular inputs remains challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Hinnekens
- Université Paris-Saclay, CIAMS, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CIAMS, Orléans, France
| | - Bastien Berret
- Université Paris-Saclay, CIAMS, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CIAMS, Orléans, France
| | - Estelle Morard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CIAMS, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CIAMS, Orléans, France
| | - Manh-Cuong Do
- Université Paris-Saclay, CIAMS, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CIAMS, Orléans, France
| | - Marianne Barbu-Roth
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Teulier
- Université Paris-Saclay, CIAMS, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CIAMS, Orléans, France
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24
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Bothe MS, Kohl T, Felmy F, Gallant J, Chagnaud BP. Timing and precision of rattlesnake spinal motoneurons are determined by the KV7 2/3 potassium channel. Curr Biol 2024; 34:286-297.e5. [PMID: 38157862 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.11.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of novel motor behaviors requires modifications in the central pattern generators (CPGs) controlling muscle activity. How such changes gradually lead to novel behaviors remains enigmatic due to the long time course of evolution. Rattlesnakes provide a unique opportunity to investigate how a locomotor CPG was evolutionarily modified to generate a novel behavior-in this case, acoustic signaling. We show that motoneurons (MNs) in the body and tail spinal cord of rattlesnakes possess fundamentally different physiological characteristics, which allow MNs in the tail to integrate and transmit CPG output for controlling superfast muscles with high temporal precision. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we demonstrate that these differences in locomotor and rattle MNs are mainly determined by KV72/3 potassium channels. However, although KV72/3 exerted a significantly different influence on locomotor and rattle MN physiology, single-cell RNA-seq unexpectedly did not reveal any differences in KV72/3 channels' expression. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Kohl
- TUM School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Felmy
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jason Gallant
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Boris P Chagnaud
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Young MW, Webster C, Tanis D, Schurr AF, Hanna CS, Lynch SK, Ratkiewicz AS, Dickinson E, Kong FH, Granatosky MC. What does climbing mean exactly? Assessing spatiotemporal gait characteristics of inclined locomotion in parrots. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2024; 210:19-33. [PMID: 37140643 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-023-01630-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
At what inclination does climbing begin? In this paper, we investigate the transition from walking to climbing in two species of parrot (Agapornis roseicollis and Nymphicus hollandicus) that are known to incorporate both their tail and their craniocervical system into the gait cycle during vertical climbing. Locomotor behaviors ranging in inclination were observed at angles between 0° and 90° for A. roseicollis, and 45°-85° degrees for N. hollandicus. Use of the tail in both species was observed at 45° inclination, and was joined at higher inclinations (> 65°) by use of the craniocervical system. Additionally, as inclination approached (but remained below) 90°, locomotor speeds were reduced while gaits were characterized by higher duty factors and lower stride frequency. These gait changes are consistent with those thought to increase stability. At 90°, A. roseicollis significantly increased its stride length, resulting in higher overall locomotor speed. Collectively these data demonstrate that the transition between horizontal walking and vertical climbing is gradual, incrementally altering several components of gait as inclinations increase. Such data underscore the need for further investigation into how exactly "climbing" is defined and the specific locomotor characteristics that differentiate this behavior from level walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody W Young
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Clyde Webster
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel Tanis
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Alissa F Schurr
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Christopher S Hanna
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Samantha K Lynch
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Aleksandra S Ratkiewicz
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Edwin Dickinson
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Felix H Kong
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael C Granatosky
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA.
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA.
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Lin J, Mele S, Piper MDW, Johnson TK. A Simple Method for Quantifying Larval Locomotion in Drosophila melanogaster. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2746:101-108. [PMID: 38070083 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3585-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful genetic model that has been used for many decades to study nervous system function, development, and behavior. There are a large number of developmental and behavioral traits that can be measured to provide a broad readout of neurological function. These include patterned motor behaviors, such as larval locomotion, which can be used to assess whether genetic or environmental factors affect nervous system function to provide an entry point for deeper mechanistic studies. Here, we describe a protocol for quantifying larval locomotion using a simple camera setup and a freely available image analysis software. This protocol can be readily applied to human disease models or in toxicology studies, for example, to broadly assess the impact of treatments on neurological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Lin
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Mele
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew D W Piper
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Travis K Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, and La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
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Audet J, Lecomte CG, Harnie J, Yassine S, Al Arab R, Soucy F, Morency C, Mari S, Jéhannin P, Merlet AN, Frigon A. Simultaneous control of forward and backward locomotion by spinal sensorimotor circuits. J Physiol 2024; 602:183-204. [PMID: 38016922 DOI: 10.1113/jp285473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals walk in different directions, such as forward and backward. In human infants/adults and decerebrate cats, one leg can walk forward and the other backward simultaneously on a split-belt treadmill, termed hybrid or bidirectional locomotion. The purpose of the present study was to determine if spinal sensorimotor circuits generate hybrid locomotion and if so, how the limbs remain coordinated. We tested hybrid locomotion in 11 intact cats and in five following complete spinal thoracic transection (spinal cats) at three treadmill speeds with the hindlimbs moving forward, backward or bidirectionally. All intact cats generated hybrid locomotion with the forelimbs on a stationary platform. Four of five spinal cats generated hybrid locomotion, also with the forelimbs on a stationary platform, but required perineal stimulation. During hybrid locomotion, intact and spinal cats positioned their forward and backward moving hindlimbs caudal and rostral to the hip, respectively. The hindlimbs maintained consistent left-right out-of-phase alternation in the different stepping directions. Our results suggest that spinal locomotor networks generate hybrid locomotion by following certain rules at phase transitions. We also found that stance duration determined cycle duration in the different locomotor directions/conditions, consistent with a common rhythm-generating mechanism for different locomotor directions. Our findings provide additional insight on how left-right spinal networks and sensory feedback from the limbs interact to coordinate the hindlimbs and provide stability during locomotion in different directions. KEY POINTS: Terrestrial mammals can walk forward and backward, which is controlled in part by spinal sensorimotor circuits. Humans and cats also perform bidirectional or hybrid locomotion on a split-belt treadmill with one leg going forward and the other going backward. We show that cats with a spinal transection can perform hybrid locomotion and maintain left-right out-of-phase coordination, indicating that spinal sensorimotor circuits can perform simultaneous forward and backward locomotion. We also show that the regulation of cycle duration and phase duration is conserved across stepping direction, consistent with a common rhythm-generating mechanism for different stepping directions. The results help us better understand how spinal networks controlling the left and right legs enable locomotion in different directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannie Audet
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charly G Lecomte
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jonathan Harnie
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sirine Yassine
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rasha Al Arab
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Félix Soucy
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Caroline Morency
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stephen Mari
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre Jéhannin
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Angèle N Merlet
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alain Frigon
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Godino-Gimeno A, Leal E, Chivite M, Tormos E, Rotllant J, Vallone D, Foulkes NS, Míguez JM, Cerdá-Reverter JM. Role of melanocortin system in the locomotor activity rhythms and melatonin secretion as revealed by agouti-signalling protein (asip1) overexpression in zebrafish. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12939. [PMID: 38241679 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Temporal signals such as light and temperature cycles profoundly modulate animal physiology and behaviour. Via endogenous timing mechanisms which are regulated by these signals, organisms can anticipate cyclic environmental changes and thereby enhance their fitness. The pineal gland in fish, through the secretion of melatonin, appears to play a critical role in the circadian system, most likely acting as an element of the circadian clock system. An important output of this circadian clock is the locomotor activity circadian rhythm which is adapted to the photoperiod and thus determines whether animals are diurnal or nocturnal. By using a genetically modified zebrafish strain known as Tg (Xla.Eef1a1:Cau.asip1)iim04, which expresses a higher level of the agouti signalling protein 1 (Asip1), an endogenous antagonist of the melanocortin system, we observed a complete disruption of locomotor activity patterns, which correlates with the ablation of the melatonin daily rhythm. Consistent with this, in vitro experiments also demonstrated that Asip1 inhibits melatonin secretion from the zebrafish pineal gland, most likely through the melanocortin receptors expressed in this gland. Asip1 overexpression also disrupted the expression of core clock genes, including per1a and clock1a, thus blunting circadian oscillation. Collectively, these results implicate the melanocortin system as playing an important role in modulating pineal physiology and, therefore, circadian organisation in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Godino-Gimeno
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, Fish Neurobehaviour Lab, Castellon, Spain
| | - Esther Leal
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, Fish Neurobehaviour Lab, Castellon, Spain
| | - Mauro Chivite
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Tormos
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, Fish Neurobehaviour Lab, Castellon, Spain
| | - Josep Rotllant
- Department of Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, IIM-CSIC, Vigo, Spain
| | - Daniela Vallone
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Department of Physiological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Nicholas S Foulkes
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Department of Physiological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Jesús M Míguez
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Jose Miguel Cerdá-Reverter
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, Fish Neurobehaviour Lab, Castellon, Spain
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Reed MR, Minicozzi MR. Effects of caudal fin size on tail-flip jump performance. ZOOLOGY 2024; 162:126145. [PMID: 38232499 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2024.126145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Fishes are generally considered to be fully aquatic, but some voluntarily strand themselves on land to escape poor water conditions, predators, or to exploit terrestrial niches. The tail-flip jump is a method of terrestrial locomotion performed by small fishes without apparent morphological specialization, but few studies have investigated the role the caudal fin has on the tail-flip jump. We hypothesized that fish with larger caudal fins would perform shorter individual tail-flip jumps and not be able to sustain jumping in extended terrestrial excursions. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are an excellent model to investigate this because these fish perform the tail-flip jump and some strains have been selectively bred in the pet trade industry for larger fins. In this study, wildtype and longfin zebrafish were compared because of the larger caudal fins of the longfin zebrafish. Individuals of each strain performed three consecutive jump trials with 48 h between each trial: kinematic, voluntary, and exhaustion. The kinematic trial used a high-speed camera to measure kinematic variables of individual jumps. The voluntary trial recorded each fish's voluntary response to stranding for three minutes. The exhaustion trial recorded the fish's response to be constantly elicited to jump until exhaustion was reached. Despite differences in caudal fin area, there were no differences in the kinematic characteristics of individual jump performances, including jump distance. However, wildtype zebrafish performed more jumps, jumped more than they flopped, and moved a greater total distance in both voluntary and exhaustion trials despite moving for similar durations and reaching exhaustion at similar times. These findings imply that larger fins do not affect a fish's ability to perform individual tail-flip jumps but does cause fish to employ different behavioral strategies when stranded for longer durations on land.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie R Reed
- Minnesota State University Mankato, Department of Biological Sciences, 242 Trafton Science Center South, Mankato, MN 56001, United States
| | - Michael R Minicozzi
- Minnesota State University Mankato, Department of Biological Sciences, 242 Trafton Science Center South, Mankato, MN 56001, United States.
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Baruzzi V, Lodi M, Storace M. Optimization strategies to obtain smooth gait transitions through biologically plausible central pattern generators. Phys Rev E 2024; 109:014404. [PMID: 38366407 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.109.014404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Central pattern generators are small networks that contribute to generating animal locomotion. The models used to study gait generation and gait transition mechanisms often require biologically accurate neuron and synapse models, with high dimensionality and complex dynamics. Tuning the parameters of these models to elicit network dynamics compatible with gait features is not a trivial task, due to the impossibility of inferring a priori the effects of each parameter on the nonlinear system's emergent dynamics. In this paper we explore the use of global optimization strategies for parameter optimization in multigait central pattern generator (CPG) models with complex cell dynamics and minimal topology. We first consider an existing quadruped CPG model as a test bed for the objective function formulation, then proceed to optimize the parameters of a newly proposed multigait, interlimb hexapod CPG model. We successfully obtain hexapod gaits and prompt gait transitions by varying only control currents, while all CPG parameters, once optimized, are kept fixed. This mechanism of gait transitions is compatible with short-term synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Baruzzi
- Department of Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - M Lodi
- Department of Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - M Storace
- Department of Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
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Li DH, Bartol IK, Gilly WF. Hydrodynamic Diversity of Jets Mediated by Giant and Non-Giant Axon Systems in Brief Squid. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:1266-1276. [PMID: 37381578 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural input is critical for establishing behavioral output, but understanding how neuromuscular signals give rise to behaviors remains a challenge. In squid, locomotion through jet propulsion underlies many key behaviors, and the jet is mediated by two parallel neural pathways, the giant and non-giant axon systems. Much work has been done on the impact of these two systems on jet kinematics, such as mantle muscle contraction and pressure-derived jet speed at the funnel aperture. However, little is known about any influence these neural pathways may have on the hydrodynamics of the jet after it leaves the squid and transfers momentum to the surrounding fluid for the animal to swim. To gain a more comprehensive view of squid jet propulsion, we made simultaneous measurements of neural activity, pressure inside the mantle cavity, and wake structure. By computing impulse and time-averaged forces from the wake structures of jets associated with giant or non-giant axon activity, we show that the influence of neural pathways on jet kinematics could extend to hydrodynamic impulse and force production. Specifically, the giant axon system produced jets with, on average, greater impulse magnitude than those of the non-giant system. However, non-giant impulse could exceed that of the giant system, evident by the graded range of its output in contrast to the stereotyped nature of the giant system. Our results suggest that the non-giant system offers flexibility in hydrodynamic output, while recruitment of giant axon activity can provide a reliable boost when necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana H Li
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
| | - Ian K Bartol
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23539, USA
| | - William F Gilly
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
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Koo YJ, Hwangbo J, Koo S. Higher coactivations of lower limb muscles increase stability during walking on slippery ground in forward dynamics musculoskeletal simulation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22808. [PMID: 38129534 PMCID: PMC10739792 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49865-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The energy efficiency theory of human bipedal locomotion has been widely accepted as a neuro-musculoskeletal control method. However, coactivation of agonist and antagonist muscles in the lower limb has been observed during various limb movements, including walking. The emergence of this coactivation cannot be explained solely by the energy efficiency theory and remains a subject of debate. To shed light on this, we investigated the role of muscle coactivations in walking stability using a forward dynamics musculoskeletal simulation combined with neural-network-based gait controllers. Our study revealed that a gait controller with minimal muscle activations had a high probability of falls under challenging gait conditions such as slippery ground and uneven terrain. Lower limb muscle coactivations emerged in the process of gait controller training on slippery ground. Controllers with physiological coactivation levels demonstrated a significantly reduced probability of falls. Our results suggest that achieving stable walking requires muscle coactivations beyond the minimal level of muscle energy. This study implies that coactivations likely emerge to maintain gait stability under challenging conditions, and both coactivation and energy optimization of lower limb muscles should be considered when exploring the foundational control mechanisms of human walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jun Koo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jemin Hwangbo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungbum Koo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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Padilla P, Herrel A, Denoël M. What makes a great invader? Anatomical traits as predictors of locomotor performance and metabolic rate in an invasive frog. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246717. [PMID: 37955111 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Invasive species are characterized by their ability to establish and spread in a new environment. In alien populations of anurans, dispersal and fitness-related traits such as endurance, burst performance and metabolism are key to their success. However, few studies have investigated inter-individual variation in these traits and more specifically have attempted to understand the drivers of variation in these traits. Associations of anatomical features may be excellent predictors of variation in performance and could be targets for selection or subject to trade-offs during invasions. In this study, we used marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus), a species that has been introduced in many places outside its native range and which is now colonizing large areas of Western Europe. We first measured the inter-individual variation in resting metabolism, the time and distance they were able to jump until exhaustion, and their peak jump force, and then measured the mass of specific organs and lengths of body parts suspected to play a role in locomotion and metabolism. Among the 5000 bootstrap replicates on body size-corrected variables, our statistical models most often selected the stomach (75.42%), gonads (71.46%) and the kidneys (67.26%) as predictors of inter-individual variation in metabolism, and the gluteus maximus muscle (97.24%) mass was the most frequently selected predictor of jump force. However, endurance was poorly associated with the anatomical traits (R2distance=0.42, R2time=0.37). These findings suggest that selection on these predictors may lead to physiological changes that may affect the colonization, establishment and dispersal of these frogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Padilla
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians (LECA), Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), University of Liège, 4020 Liège, Belgium
- UMR 7179 C.N.R.S./M.N.H.N., Département Adaptations du Vivant, 55 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Anthony Herrel
- UMR 7179 C.N.R.S./M.N.H.N., Département Adaptations du Vivant, 55 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
- Evolutionary Morphology of Vertebrates, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk 2610, Belgium
- Naturhistorisches Museum Bern, 3005 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Denoël
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians (LECA), Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), University of Liège, 4020 Liège, Belgium
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Shepard CT, Brown BL, Van Rijswijck MA, Zalla RM, Burke DA, Morehouse JR, Riegler AS, Whittemore SR, Magnuson DSK. Silencing long-descending inter-enlargement propriospinal neurons improves hindlimb stepping after contusive spinal cord injuries. eLife 2023; 12:e82944. [PMID: 38099572 PMCID: PMC10776087 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal locomotor circuitry is comprised of rhythm generating centers, one for each limb, that are interconnected by local and long-distance propriospinal neurons thought to carry temporal information necessary for interlimb coordination and gait control. We showed previously that conditional silencing of the long ascending propriospinal neurons (LAPNs) that project from the lumbar to the cervical rhythmogenic centers (L1/L2 to C6), disrupts right-left alternation of both the forelimbs and hindlimbs without significantly disrupting other fundamental aspects of interlimb and speed-dependent coordination (Pocratsky et al., 2020). Subsequently, we showed that silencing the LAPNs after a moderate thoracic contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) resulted in better recovered locomotor function (Shepard et al., 2021). In this research advance, we focus on the descending equivalent to the LAPNs, the long descending propriospinal neurons (LDPNs) that have cell bodies at C6 and terminals at L2. We found that conditional silencing of the LDPNs in the intact adult rat resulted in a disrupted alternation of each limb pair (forelimbs and hindlimbs) and after a thoracic contusion SCI significantly improved locomotor function. These observations lead us to speculate that the LAPNs and LDPNs have similar roles in the exchange of temporal information between the cervical and lumbar rhythm generating centers, but that the partial disruption of the pathway after SCI limits the independent function of the lumbar circuitry. Silencing the LAPNs or LDPNs effectively permits or frees-up the lumbar circuitry to function independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney T Shepard
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Brandon L Brown
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Morgan A Van Rijswijck
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Speed School of Engineering, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Rachel M Zalla
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Speed School of Engineering, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Darlene A Burke
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Johnny R Morehouse
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Amberly S Riegler
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Scott R Whittemore
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - David SK Magnuson
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Speed School of Engineering, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
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Ryczko D, Dubuc R. Dopamine control of downstream motor centers. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 83:102785. [PMID: 37774481 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The role of dopamine in the control of movement is traditionally associated with ascending projections to the basal ganglia. However, more recently descending dopaminergic pathways projecting to downstream brainstem motor circuits were discovered. In lampreys, salamanders, and rodents, these include projections to the downstream Mesencephalic Locomotor Region (MLR), a brainstem region controlling locomotion. Such descending dopaminergic projections could prime brainstem networks controlling movement. Other descending dopaminergic projections have been shown to reach reticulospinal cells involved in the control of locomotion. In addition, dopamine directly modulates the activity of interneurons and motoneurons. Beyond locomotion, dopaminergic inputs modulate visuomotor transformations within the optic tectum (mammalian superior colliculus). Loss of descending dopaminergic inputs will likely contribute to pathological conditions such as in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Ryczko
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada; Neurosciences Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada; Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.
| | - Réjean Dubuc
- Groupe de Recherche en Activité Physique Adaptée, Département des Sciences de l'Activité Physique, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Groupe de recherche sur la Signalisation Neurale et la Circuiterie, Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Wyart C, Carbo-Tano M. Design of mechanosensory feedback during undulatory locomotion to enhance speed and stability. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 83:102777. [PMID: 37666012 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Undulatory locomotion relies on the propagation of a wave of excitation in the spinal cord leading to consequential activation of segmental skeletal muscles along the body. Although this process relies on self-generated oscillations of motor circuits in the spinal cord, mechanosensory feedback is crucial to entrain the underlying oscillatory activity and thereby, to enhance movement power and speed. This effect is achieved through directional projections of mechanosensory neurons either sensing stretching or compression of the trunk along the rostrocaudal axis. Different mechanosensory feedback pathways act in concert to shorten and fasten the excitatory wave propagating along the body. While inhibitory mechanosensory cells feedback inhibition on excitatory premotor interneurons and motor neurons, excitatory mechanosensory cells feedforward excitation to premotor excitatory interneurons. Together, diverse mechanosensory cells coordinate the activity of skeletal muscles controlling the head and tail to optimize speed and stabilize balance during fast locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Wyart
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1127, UMR CNRS 7225, Institut du Cerveau (ICM), 47 bld de l'hôpital, Paris 75013, France.
| | - Martin Carbo-Tano
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1127, UMR CNRS 7225, Institut du Cerveau (ICM), 47 bld de l'hôpital, Paris 75013, France. https://twitter.com/martincarbotano
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Blazevich AJ, Fletcher JR. More than energy cost: multiple benefits of the long Achilles tendon in human walking and running. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:2210-2225. [PMID: 37525526 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Elastic strain energy that is stored and released from long, distal tendons such as the Achilles during locomotion allows for muscle power amplification as well as for reduction of the locomotor energy cost: as distal tendons perform mechanical work during recoil, plantar flexor muscle fibres can work over smaller length ranges, at slower shortening speeds, and at lower activation levels. Scant evidence exists that long distal tendons evolved in humans (or were retained from our more distant Hominoidea ancestors) primarily to allow high muscle-tendon power outputs, and indeed we remain relatively powerless compared to many other species. Instead, the majority of evidence suggests that such tendons evolved to reduce total locomotor energy cost. However, numerous additional, often unrecognised, advantages of long tendons may speculatively be of greater evolutionary advantage, including the reduced limb inertia afforded by shorter and lighter muscles (reducing proximal muscle force requirement), reduced energy dissipation during the foot-ground collisions, capacity to store and reuse the muscle work done to dampen the vibrations triggered by foot-ground collisions, reduced muscle heat production (and thus core temperature), and attenuation of work-induced muscle damage. Cumulatively, these effects should reduce both neuromotor fatigue and sense of locomotor effort, allowing humans to choose to move at faster speeds for longer. As these benefits are greater at faster locomotor speeds, they are consistent with the hypothesis that running gaits used by our ancestors may have exerted substantial evolutionary pressure on Achilles tendon length. The long Achilles tendon may therefore be a singular adaptation that provided numerous physiological, biomechanical, and psychological benefits and thus influenced behaviour across multiple tasks, both including and additional to locomotion. While energy cost may be a variable of interest in locomotor studies, future research should consider the broader range of factors influencing our movement capacity, including our decision to move over given distances at specific speeds, in order to understand more fully the effects of Achilles tendon function as well as changes in this function in response to physical activity, inactivity, disuse and disease, on movement performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jared R Fletcher
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Gordleeva SY, Kastalskiy IA, Tsybina YA, Ermolaeva AV, Hramov AE, Kazantsev VB. Control of movement of underwater swimmers: Animals, simulated animates and swimming robots. Phys Life Rev 2023; 47:211-244. [PMID: 38072505 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2023.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The control of movement in living organisms represents a fundamental task that the brain has evolved to solve. One crucial aspect is how the nervous system organizes the transformation of sensory information into motor commands. These commands lead to muscle activation and subsequent animal movement, which can exhibit complex patterns. One example of such movement is locomotion, which involves the translation of the entire body through space. Central Pattern Generators (CPGs) are neuronal circuits that provide control signals for these movements. Compared to the intricate circuits found in the brain, CPGs can be simplified into networks of neurons that generate rhythmic activation, coordinating muscle movements. Since the 1990s, researchers have developed numerous models of locomotive circuits to simulate different types of animal movement, including walking, flying, and swimming. Initially, the primary goal of these studies was to construct biomimetic robots. However, it became apparent that simplified CPGs alone were not sufficient to replicate the diverse range of adaptive locomotive movements observed in living organisms. Factors such as sensory modulation, higher-level control, and cognitive components related to learning and memory needed to be considered. This necessitated the use of more complex, high-dimensional circuits, as well as novel materials and hardware, in both modeling and robotics. With advancements in high-power computing, artificial intelligence, big data processing, smart materials, and electronics, the possibility of designing a new generation of true bio-mimetic robots has emerged. These robots have the capability to imitate not only simple locomotion but also exhibit adaptive motor behavior and decision-making. This motivation serves as the foundation for the current review, which aims to analyze existing concepts and models of movement control systems. As an illustrative example, we focus on underwater movement and explore the fundamental biological concepts, as well as the mathematical and physical models that underlie locomotion and its various modulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yu Gordleeva
- National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia; Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 14 A. Nevskogo St., Kaliningrad, 236016, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 9 Institutskiy Ln., Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - I A Kastalskiy
- National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 9 Institutskiy Ln., Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Region, Russia.
| | - Yu A Tsybina
- National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 2 Bol'shaya Pirogovskaya St., Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - A V Ermolaeva
- National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 2 Bol'shaya Pirogovskaya St., Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - A E Hramov
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 14 A. Nevskogo St., Kaliningrad, 236016, Russia; Saint Petersburg State University, 7-9 Universitetskaya Emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - V B Kazantsev
- National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia; Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 14 A. Nevskogo St., Kaliningrad, 236016, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 9 Institutskiy Ln., Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Region, Russia
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Akçalı İ, Akkan SS, Bülbül M. The regulatory role of central neuropeptide-S in locomotion. Peptides 2023; 170:171110. [PMID: 37832875 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Central exogenous Neuropeptide-S (NPS) was demonstrated to increase locomotor activity (LMA) in rodent studies. NPS receptor (NPSR) is produced in locomotion-related brain regions including basal ganglia while NPS mediates dopaminergic neurotransmission suggesting that endogenous brain NPS is involved in the regulation of locomotion. Aim of the study was to elucidate whether antagonism of NPSR impairs locomotion and to determine the neurochemical profile of NPSR-expressing cells in basal ganglia network. In the rats received intracerebroventricular injection of selective non-peptide NPSR antagonist ML154 (20 nmol/5 µL) or vehicle, in addition to measurement of catalepsy, motor performance, and motor coordination were evaluated by assessment of LMA and RR test, respectively. The immunoreactivities for NPSR, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were detected by immunofluorescence in frozen sections. Compared to the control rats, total LMA was significantly declined following ML154 administration. The ML154-injected rats were more prone to fall in rotarod (RR) test, while they exhibited remarkably high catalepsy time. The most robust immunoreactivity for NPSR was detected in globus pallidus externa (GPe), while moderate levels of NPSR expression were observed in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), but not in striatum. The NPSR-ir cell bodies were found to express GAD67 in GPe and TH in SNpc and VTA, respectively. NPSR expression was detected in SNpc-projecting pallidal cells. The present findings indicate the regulatory role of central endogenous NPS in the control of locomotion. NPSR may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- İrem Akçalı
- Department of Physiology, Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Simla Su Akkan
- Department of Physiology, Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Bülbül
- Department of Physiology, Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey.
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Di Russo A, Stanev D, Sabnis A, Danner SM, Ausborn J, Armand S, Ijspeert A. Investigating the roles of reflexes and central pattern generators in the control and modulation of human locomotion using a physiologically plausible neuromechanical model. J Neural Eng 2023; 20:066006. [PMID: 37757805 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/acfdcc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective.Studying the neural components regulating movement in human locomotion is obstructed by the inability to perform invasive experimental recording in the human neural circuits. Neuromechanical simulations can provide insights by modeling the locomotor circuits. Past neuromechanical models proposed control of locomotion either driven by central pattern generators (CPGs) with simple sensory commands or by a purely reflex-based network regulated by state-machine mechanisms, which activate and deactivate reflexes depending on the detected gait cycle phases. However, the physiological interpretation of these state machines remains unclear. Here, we present a physiologically plausible model to investigate spinal control and modulation of human locomotion.Approach.We propose a bio-inspired controller composed of two coupled CPGs that produce the rhythm and pattern, and a reflex-based network simulating low-level reflex pathways and Renshaw cells. This reflex network is based on leaky-integration neurons, and the whole system does not rely on changing reflex gains according to the gait cycle state. The musculoskeletal model is composed of a skeletal structure and nine muscles per leg generating movement in sagittal plane.Main results.Optimizing the open parameters for effort minimization and stability, human kinematics and muscle activation naturally emerged. Furthermore, when CPGs were not activated, periodic motion could not be achieved through optimization, suggesting the necessity of this component to generate rhythmic behavior without a state machine mechanism regulating reflex activation. The controller could reproduce ranges of speeds from 0.3 to 1.9 m s-1. The results showed that the net influence of feedback on motoneurons (MNs) during perturbed locomotion is predominantly inhibitory and that the CPGs provide the timing of MNs' activation by exciting or inhibiting muscles in specific gait phases.Significance.The proposed bio-inspired controller could contribute to our understanding of locomotor circuits of the intact spinal cord and could be used to study neuromotor disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simon M Danner
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Jessica Ausborn
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Stéphane Armand
- Kinesiology Laboratory, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Arias AA, Azizi E. Modulation of limb mechanics in alligators moving across varying grades. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246025. [PMID: 37930362 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Graded substrates require legged animals to modulate their limb mechanics to meet locomotor demands. Previous work has elucidated strategies used by cursorial animals with upright limb posture, but it remains unclear how sprawling species such as alligators transition between grades. We measured individual limb forces and 3D kinematics as alligators walked steadily across level, 15 deg incline and 15 deg decline conditions. We compared our results with the literature to determine how limb posture alters strategies for managing the energetic variation that accompanies shifts in grade. We found that juvenile alligators maintain spatiotemporal characteristics of gait and locomotor speed while selectively modulating craniocaudal impulses (relative to level) when transitioning between grades. Alligators seem to accomplish this using a variety of kinematic strategies, but consistently sprawl both limb pairs outside of the parasagittal plane during decline walking. This latter result suggests alligators and other sprawling species may use movements outside of the parasagittal plane as an axis of variation to modulate limb mechanics when transitioning between graded substrates. We conclude that limb mechanics during graded locomotion are fairly predictable across quadrupedal species, regardless of body plan and limb posture, with hindlimbs playing a more propulsive role and forelimbs functioning to dissipate energy. Future work will elucidate how shifts in muscle properties or function underlie such shifts in limb kinematics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien A Arias
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Emanuel Azizi
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Li P, Chen B, Liu J. Multimodal steerable earthworm-inspired soft robot based on vacuum and positive pressure powered pneumatic actuators. Bioinspir Biomim 2023; 19:016001. [PMID: 37913552 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad089c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
This article presents a multimodal steerable earthworm-inspired soft robot based on vacuum and positive pressure powered pneumatic actuators capable of crawling both inside pipelines and on planar surfaces. The optimized modular vacuum pressure-driven actuator can generate deformation and anchoring motion through a unified structure under low vacuum pressure, giving it significant speed advantages and multi-modal locomotion capabilities. Meanwhile, the positive pressure powered actuator (PPPA) enables the robot to achieve controlled multi-directional and multi-degrees-of-freedom steering, moreover, enhances the consistency of the driving mechanism. The incorporation of front-end pressure sensing enables the robot to autonomously detect and evaluate pressure, facilitating automatic obstacle avoidance through the activation of corresponding turning units of PPPA. In the process of optimizing motion parameters, the overall motion efficiency has been improved by 16.7% by improving the control law. Through adjustments and optimizations of the interval time (cycle time), the robot is able to achieve a speed of 7.16 mm s-1during planar locomotion and 1.94 mm s-1during in-pipe locomotion. Using the developed robot, we conducted a series of turning experiments, including surface obstacle avoidance and cross-plane crawling, which demonstrated its enhanced capability in cross-plane steering and locomotion. Its related speed indicators showcase superior overall performance compared to other developed robots of the same type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Baojun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
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Christensen KB, Günther M, Schmitt S, Siebert T. Muscle wobbling mass dynamics: eigenfrequency dependencies on activity, impact strength, and ground material. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19575. [PMID: 37949892 PMCID: PMC10638252 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45821-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In legged locomotion, muscles undergo damped oscillations in response to the leg contacting the ground (an impact). How muscle oscillates varies depending on the impact situation. We used a custom-made frame in which we clamped an isolated rat muscle (M. gastrocnemius medialis and lateralis: GAS) and dropped it from three different heights and onto two different ground materials. In fully activated GAS, the dominant eigenfrequencies were 163 Hz, 265 Hz, and 399 Hz, which were signficantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the dominant eigenfrequencies in passive GAS: 139 Hz, 215 Hz, and 286 Hz. In general, neither changing the falling height nor ground material led to any significant eigenfrequency changes in active nor passive GAS, respectively. To trace the eigenfrequency values back to GAS stiffness values, we developed a 3DoF model. The model-predicted GAS muscle eigenfrequencies matched well with the experimental values and deviated by - 3.8%, 9.0%, and 4.3% from the passive GAS eigenfrequencies and by - 1.8%, 13.3%, and - 1.5% from the active GAS eigenfrequencies. Differences between the frequencies found for active and passive muscle impact situations are dominantly due to the attachment of myosin heads to actin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Günther
- Computational Biophysics and Biorobotics, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
- Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Syn Schmitt
- Computational Biophysics and Biorobotics, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Center for Simulation Science (SC SimTech), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tobias Siebert
- Motion and Exercise Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Center for Simulation Science (SC SimTech), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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44
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Hydrogel fibers that enable optogenetic pain inhibition during locomotion. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1641-2. [PMID: 37857908 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
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Walker CA, McBrayer LD. Stop, then go! Rapid acceleration offsets the costs of intermittent locomotion when turning in Florida scrub lizards. J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol 2023; 339:853-860. [PMID: 37485808 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Intermittent locomotion is a common locomotor mode in small vertebrates. Pausing is thought to aid in locating a predator or prey, enhancing crypsis, lowering energy costs, and/or maneuvering around obstacles or toward a refuge. Many lizards flee predators by turning into potential refugia and subsequently pausing, presumably to conceal themselves. Intermittent locomotion may be associated with turning by allowing an animal time to assess its surroundings and/or decreasing the likelihood of losing its footing. In this study, we quantify locomotor performance and the use of intermittent locomotion in Florida scrub lizards (Sceloporus woodi) when navigating either a 45° or 90° turn. Lizards paused in 92.91% of all trials, and yet despite pausing, instantaneous speed was not different entering or exiting the turn. This result suggests that turning comes at minimal cost to forward speed for lizards under these conditions. Pausing during a turn, however, did slow speed in the turn. Interestingly, the speed in the turn did not differ in trials with a pause before the turn versus trials without a pause. The angle of the turn also had no effect on whether lizards paused. We found that lizards increase peak acceleration following pauses to compensate for lost speed during the pause, providing a mechanism that may minimize negative fitness effects associated with slow running speeds and allow intermittent locomotion to be such a common strategy in lizards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheyenne A Walker
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Lance D McBrayer
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, USA
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Syeda SM, Tsegai ZJ, Cazenave M, Skinner MM, Kivell TL. Cortical bone distribution of the proximal phalanges in great apes: implications for reconstructing manual behaviours. J Anat 2023; 243:707-728. [PMID: 37358024 PMCID: PMC10557399 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Primate fingers are typically in direct contact with the environment during both locomotion and manipulation, and aspects of external phalangeal morphology are known to reflect differences in hand use. Since bone is a living tissue that can adapt in response to loading through life, the internal bone architecture of the manual phalanges should also reflect differences in manual behaviours. Here, we use the R package Morphomap to analyse high-resolution microCT scans of hominid proximal phalanges of digits 2-5 to determine whether cortical bone structure reflects variation in manual behaviours between bipedal (Homo), knuckle-walking (Gorilla, Pan) and suspensory (Pongo) taxa. We test the hypothesis that relative cortical bone distribution patterns and cross-sectional geometric properties will differ both among extant great apes and across the four digits due to locomotor and postural differences. Results indicate that cortical bone structure reflects the varied hand postures employed by each taxon. The phalangeal cortices of Pongo are significantly thinner and have weaker cross-sectional properties relative to the African apes, yet thick cortical bone under their flexor sheath ridges corresponds with predicted loading during flexed finger grips. Knuckle-walking African apes have even thicker cortical bone under the flexor sheath ridges, as well as in the region proximal to the trochlea, but Pan also has thicker diaphyseal cortices than Gorilla. Humans display a distinct pattern of distodorsal thickening, as well as relatively thin cortices, which may reflect the lack of phalangeal curvature combined with frequent use of flexed fingered hand grips during manipulation. Within each taxon, digits 2-5 have a similar cortical distribution in Pongo, Gorilla and, unexpectedly, Homo, which suggest similar loading of all fingers during habitual locomotion or hand use. In Pan, however, cortical thickness differs between the fingers, potentially reflecting differential loading during knuckle-walking. Inter- and intra-generic variation in phalangeal cortical bone structure reflects differences in manual behaviours, offering a comparative framework for reconstructing hand use in fossil hominins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar M. Syeda
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Zewdi J. Tsegai
- Department of Organismal Biology and AnatomyUniversity of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Marine Cazenave
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
- Division of AnthropologyAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Matthew M. Skinner
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Tracy L. Kivell
- Department of Human OriginsMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
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Kuehn N, Schwarz A, Beretta CA, Schwarte Y, Schmitt F, Motsch M, Weidner N, Puttagunta R. Intermediate gray matter interneurons in the lumbar spinal cord play a critical and necessary role in coordinated locomotion. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291740. [PMID: 37906544 PMCID: PMC10617729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Locomotion is a complex task involving excitatory and inhibitory circuitry in spinal gray matter. While genetic knockouts examine the function of individual spinal interneuron (SpIN) subtypes, the phenotype of combined SpIN loss remains to be explored. We modified a kainic acid lesion to damage intermediate gray matter (laminae V-VIII) in the lumbar spinal enlargement (spinal L2-L4) in female rats. A thorough, tailored behavioral evaluation revealed deficits in gross hindlimb function, skilled walking, coordination, balance and gait two weeks post-injury. Using a Random Forest algorithm, we combined these behavioral assessments into a highly predictive binary classification system that strongly correlated with structural deficits in the rostro-caudal axis. Machine-learning quantification confirmed interneuronal damage to laminae V-VIII in spinal L2-L4 correlates with hindlimb dysfunction. White matter alterations and lower motoneuron loss were not observed with this KA lesion. Animals did not regain lost sensorimotor function three months after injury, indicating that natural recovery mechanisms of the spinal cord cannot compensate for loss of laminae V-VIII neurons. As gray matter damage accounts for neurological/walking dysfunction in instances of spinal cord injury affecting the cervical or lumbar enlargement, this research lays the groundwork for new neuroregenerative therapies to replace these lost neuronal pools vital to sensorimotor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naëmi Kuehn
- Laboratory for Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schwarz
- Laboratory for Experimental Neurorehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carlo Antonio Beretta
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Schwarte
- Laboratory for Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesca Schmitt
- Laboratory for Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melanie Motsch
- Laboratory for Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Norbert Weidner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Radhika Puttagunta
- Laboratory for Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Iwaya T, Tanabe H, Ohkuma Y, Ito A, Hayashi K, Ideno Y, Nagai K, Akai M. Statistical model of trajectories of reduced mobility in older people with locomotive disorders: a prospective cohort study with group-based trajectory model. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:699. [PMID: 37904120 PMCID: PMC10617241 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04405-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Today we experience "Super-aged society", and a drastic increase in the number of older people needing assistance is an urgent matter for everyone from medical and socio-economical standpoints. Locomotive organ dysfunction due to musculoskeletal disorders is one of the main problems in these patients. Although the concepts of frailty and sarcopenia have been proposed for functional decline, pain remains the main and non-negligible complaint in these of such disorders. This prospective cohort study aimed to observe the changes of reduced mobility in patients with locomotive disorders and to determine the risk factors for functional deterioration of those patients using statistical modeling. METHODS A cohort of older adults with locomotive disorders who were followed up every 6 months for up to 18 months was organized. Pain, physical findings related to the lower extremities, locomotive function in performing daily tasks, and Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale-25 (GLFS-25) score were collected to predict the progress of deterioration. Group-based trajectory analysis was used to identify subgroups of changes of GLFS-25 scores, and multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate potential predictors of the GLFS-25 trajectories. RESULTS Overall, 314 participants aged between 65 and 93 years were included. The participants were treated with various combinations of orthopedic conservative treatments on an outpatient basis. The in-group trajectory model analysis revealed a clear differentiation between the four groups. The mild and severe groups generally maintained their GLFD-25 scores, while the moderate group included a fluctuating group and a no change group. This study showed that comorbidity of osteoporosis was related to GLFS-25 score over 18 months. Age was a weak factor to be moderate or severe group, but gender was not. In addition, the number of pain locations, number of weak muscles, one-leg standing time, grip strength and BMI significantly contributed to the change in GLFS-25 score. CONCLUSIONS This study proposes an effective statistical model to monitor locomotive functions and related findings. Pain and comorbid osteoporosis are significant factors that related to functional deterioration of activities. In addition, the study shows a patient group recovers from the progression and their possible contributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Iwaya
- Nagano University of Health and Medicine, 11-1 Imaihara, Kawanakajima-chou, Nagano-shi, Nagano, 381-2227, Japan
| | - Hideki Tanabe
- Tanabe Orthopaedic Clinic, 3-2-16 Narimasu, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 175-0094, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ohkuma
- National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, 2-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, 359-8555, Japan
| | - Ayumi Ito
- Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, 501 Nakaorui-machi, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, 370-0033, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Hayashi
- School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi-shi, Gunma, 371-8514, Japan
| | - Yuki Ideno
- Center for Mathematics and Data Science, Gunma University, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi-shi, Gunma, 371-8514, Japan
| | - Kazue Nagai
- Center for Mathematics and Data Science, Gunma University, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi-shi, Gunma, 371-8514, Japan
| | - Masami Akai
- International University of Health and Welfare, Graduate School, International University of Health and Welfare, 4-1-26 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-8402, Japan.
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Zhang Y, Lauder GV. Energetics of collective movement in vertebrates. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245617. [PMID: 37905670 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The collective directional movement of animals occurs over both short distances and longer migrations, and is a critical aspect of feeding, reproduction and the ecology of many species. Despite the implications of collective motion for lifetime fitness, we know remarkably little about its energetics. It is commonly thought that collective animal motion saves energy: moving alone against fluid flow is expected to be more energetically expensive than moving in a group. Energetic conservation resulting from collective movement is most often inferred from kinematic metrics or from computational models. However, the direct measurement of total metabolic energy savings during collective motion compared with solitary movement over a range of speeds has yet to be documented. In particular, longer duration and higher speed collective motion must involve both aerobic and non-aerobic (high-energy phosphate stores and substrate-level phosphorylation) metabolic energy contributions, and yet no study to date has quantified both types of metabolic contribution in comparison to locomotion by solitary individuals. There are multiple challenging questions regarding the energetics of collective motion in aquatic, aerial and terrestrial environments that remain to be answered. We focus on aquatic locomotion as a model system to demonstrate that understanding the energetics and total cost of collective movement requires the integration of biomechanics, fluid dynamics and bioenergetics to unveil the hydrodynamic and physiological phenomena involved and their underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfan Zhang
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - George V Lauder
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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Graham M, Socha JJ. Dynamic gap crossing in Dendrelaphis, the sister taxon of flying snakes. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245094. [PMID: 37671466 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Arboreal animals commonly use dynamic gap-crossing behaviors such as jumping. In snakes, however, most species studied to date only employ the quasi-static cantilever crawl, which involves a whole-body reach. One exception is the paradise tree snake (Chrysopelea paradisi), which exhibits kinematic changes as gap distance increases, culminating in dynamic behaviors that are kinematically indistinguishable from those used to launch glides. Because Chrysopelea uses dynamic behaviors when bridging gaps without gliding, we hypothesized that such dynamic behaviors evolved ancestrally to Chrysopelea. To test this predicted occurrence of dynamic behaviors in closely related taxa, we studied gap bridging locomotion in the genus Dendrelaphis, which is the sister lineage of Chysopelea. We recorded 20 snakes from two species (D. punctulatus and D. calligastra) crossing gaps of increasing size, and analyzed their 3D kinematics. We found that, like C. paradisi, both species of Dendrelaphis modulate their use of dynamic behaviors in response to gap distance, but Dendrelaphis exhibit greater inter-individual variation. Although all three species displayed the use of looped movements, the highly stereotyped J-loop movement of Chrysopelea was not observed in Dendrelaphis. These results support the hypothesis that Chrysopelea may have co-opted and refined an ancestral behavior for crossing gaps for the novel function of launching a glide. Overall, these data demonstrate the importance of gap distance in governing behavior and kinematics during arboreal gap crossing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mal Graham
- Wild Animal Initiative, Inc., Minneapolis, MN 55437, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - John J Socha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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