Mathematical Modeling Strategy Integrates External Factors Into Limb Movement

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Main Category: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness;  Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 24 Oct 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The neural commands sent by the brain to the arm when reaching out for an object were recently modeled using a theory that they are coordinated to minimize energy expenditure, according to a study released on October 23, 2008 in the open-access journal PLoS Computational Biology.

Neuroscientists have studied many aspects of how actions are coordinated by the brain. Recently, the use of computer models has become important as theories have advanced assuming that the brain acts as an optimal controller, according to certain specific criteria. Most models use a certain criterion for this analysis, modeled, then compared to experimental models. However, most of these fail to take into account the external pressures experienced by the limb.

Gravitation is a constraint that living organisms must account for at all times. Even simple vertical arm movements have been experimentally observed to have different control systems when moving upward than moving downward. According to the authors, this could indicate that the brain capitalizes on gravitational force when possible during movement in an attempt to optimize the energy consumption of the limb.

Thus, the authors modeled this biological rule using a hypothetical-deductive mathematical model which incorporates short periods of muscle inactivation with direction-dependent hand kinematics. Further, the model was verified experimentally with human subjects, and have been shown to be both necessary and sufficient for opteimal arm control.

The brain plans movements, according to the authors, as an integration of biological and environmental constraints, in a method which, if understood, could have value for understanding motor dysfunctions and developing effective rehabilitation programs. Additionally, it highlights the potential for mathematicians and neuroscientists to work together to make powerful conclusions about biological organisms.

The Inactivation Principle: Mathematical Solutions Minimizing the Absolute Work and Biological Implications for the Planning of Arm Movements.
Berret B, Darlot C, Jean F, Pozzo T, Papaxanthis C, et al.
PLoS Comput Biol 4(10): e1000194.
doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000194
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Written by Anna Sophia McKenney
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