Stroke gait rehabilitation: Is load perception a first step towards load control?

Stroke is often considered to be primarily a motor deficiency, yet sensory deficits play a major role in motor behavior and therefore should not be overlooked. This is particularly true for locomotion. Basically one major aim of gait is to support the body against gravity. Hence, not surprisingly, it has been found that load receptors play a very important role in the regulation of gait in a wide variety of animals (Duysens et al., 2000). Load receptors are present in extensor muscles (Golgi tendon organs) and in the foot sole (cutaneous receptors).

Source: Clinical Neurophysiology - July 9, 2014 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Jacques Duysens, Firas Massaad Source Type: research