Locomotor Pattern Generation in the Rodent Spinal Cord

The locomotor central pattern generator is a neural network in the spinal cord that can generate the basic motor pattern for locomotion in the absence of sensory feedback or rhythmic input from the brain. Most research in rodents has focused on hind limb movements: the hind limb CPG is located in lower thoracic and lumbar segments of the spinal cord. This network generates both the locomotor rhythm (cycle frequency) and the detailed phasing of motoneuron activation during the cycle, including alternation of left and right limbmovements and alternation of ipsilateral flexor and extensor activity.