Definition
Locomotor control is the cyclic movement and manipulation of the limbs with the purpose of stably progressing the body in space. Legged terrestrial locomotion is grouped into different gaits, identified by the characteristic movement patterns of the limbs and body. Typical bipedal gaits include walking, running, hop**, and skip**. Limb and body movements are affected by the direct action of the nervous system operating through the musculoskeletal system. These dynamics are also shaped by several biomechanical and physiological constraints when moving within the environment. The study of locomotor control is conducted at several organizational levels, including cellular, tissue, and whole body. Many experimental paradigms exist for study of locomotor control, from reduced fictive preparations to freely behaving locomotion. As locomotion is ubiquitous to many daily activities, basic understanding...
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© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Chang, YH., Yen, J.T. (2012). Locomotor Control. In: Mooren, F.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Exercise Medicine in Health and Disease. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29807-6_312
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29807-6_312
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