Long-lasting changes in muscle activation and step cycle variables induced by repetitive sensory stimulation to discrete areas of the foot sole during walking

Abstract

Repetitive (∼10 min) long (200 ms) trains of sensory stimulation to discrete areas of the foot sole produce persistent changes in muscle activity and cycle timing during walking. Interactions between the delivery phase and stimulus location determine the expression of the adaptations. These observations bear striking similarities to those in decerebrate cat experiments and may be usefully translated to improving locomotor function after neurotrauma.