A computer simulation study on the role of spinal cord circuits on the neural control of muscle force

• Grant number: 21/13313-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2022
• End date: June 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Abdala Elias
• Grantee: Camila Prata Almeida
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação (FEEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The relative role of spinal cord circuits in generation and control of muscle force is still unknown. Multiscale computational models of the neuromuscular system can help the understanding and definition of hypothesis on the functioning of the motor system. In the present study, the aim is to evaluate the role of two specific spinal cord circuits, namely: 1) the monosynaptic excitatory pathway between muscle spindle primary afferents and motor neurons; and 2) the recurrent inhibition mediated by the Renshaw cells. A model of the neuromuscular system will be used to perform computer simulations with one or both spinal cord circuits mentioned above. Besides, systematic parametric changes will be performed on the system to investigate the main factors capable of influencing the force produced by a muscle.(AU)