title: Neuromechanical principles underlying movement modularity and their implications for rehabilitation.
abstract: Neuromechanical principles define the properties and problems that shape neural solutions for movement. Although the theoretical and experimental evidence is debated, we present arguments for consistent structures in motor patterns, i.e., motor modules, that are neuromechanical solutions for movement particular to an individual and shaped by evolutionary, developmental, and learning processes. As a consequence, motor modules may be useful in assessing sensorimotor deficits specific to an individual and define targets for the rational development of novel rehabilitation therapies that enhance neural plasticity and sculpt motor recovery. We propose that motor module organization is disrupted and may be improved by therapy in spinal cord injury, stroke, and Parkinson's disease. Recent studies provide insights into the yet-unknown underlying neural mechanisms of motor modules, motor impairment, and motor learning and may lead to better understanding of the causal nature of modularity and its underlying neural substrates.
authors: W.H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Electronic address: lting@emory.edu.
authors: Lena H
authors: LH
authors: Ting
authors: Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
authors: Hillel J
authors: HJ
authors: Chiel
authors: W.H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors: Randy D
authors: RD
authors: Trumbower
authors: W.H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
authors: Jessica L
authors: JL
authors: Allen
authors: W.H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
authors: J Lucas
authors: JL
authors: McKay
authors: Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors: Madeleine E
authors: ME
authors: Hackney
authors: W.H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors: Trisha M
authors: TM
authors: Kesar
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*