Determining neural control of force production and its (mal)adaptation is of both scientific and societal interest. However, precise anatomical sites of modified physiology have not been identified. There is good evidence for modifications in motor unit behaviour at the endpoint of the neuromuscular pathway. In an attempt to identify upstream causality, research has focused on corticospinal functioning and a common method in this endeavour is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The current research evidence is, nevertheless, conflicting and has not resolved the question. The goal of this symposia is to inform and invigorate research efforts into examining reticulospinal tract functioning in humans via increasing understanding of this tract and how it may be measured. Relevance: Recently, work in animals has revealed a possibility that high force production and adaptations accompanying changes in force production capacity could be a consequence of reticulospinal functioning. It is expected that, as a consequence of these new discoveries, a renewed focus on identifying neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning altered force production (e.g. through training, aging, disease/injury etc.) will occur over the next few years. The speakers are from R2-R4 career stages. Target audience: Primarily biomechanists and neurophysiologists. However, since this topic is of interest to many disciplines, we expect attendees from physiology, physiotherapy, training and testing.
ECSS Paris 2023: IS-BM03
The lecture explores the anatomy and function of the corticospinal and reticulospinal tracts, and it discusses the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and other neurophysiological methods for the activation of neurons within each tract. Additionally, the lecture provides a concise overview of potential measurements that can be conducted in both human subjects and non-human primates. It also includes a discussion of the current methodological limitations, along with a cautionary note. Associate Professor Kidgell draws from the ongoing and as-yet-unpublished research conducted in his laboratory, as well as prior studies conducted by other research groups. Relevance: The lecture enhances comprehension of the reticulospinal tract, elucidating its anatomical location and function in relation to the more widely recognized corticospinal tract. It also probes the mechanisms through which the reticulospinal tract exerts its influence during muscle contraction. Furthermore, this lecture serves as a foundational precursor to the subsequent two lectures. Target audience: Primary interests will be from biomechanists and neurophysiologists, with secondary interests from physiologists and physiotherapists.
Read CV Dawson KidgellECSS Paris 2023: IS-BM03
This lecture covers the ground-breaking discoveries on reticulospinal tract functioning from the lab of Prof. Stuart Baker. Dr Glover will disseminate her recent findings from strength training studies in non-human primates. Here, she presents data recorded from muscles, primary motor cortex and the reticular formation in chronically implanted monkeys performing different strength contractions. These results provide proof-of-concept for human studies. Dr. Glover will also briefly outline possible future applications of the knowledge gained from her research. Relevance: Currently, the most convincing evidence of reticulospinal contribution to high force production and adaptation to resistance training is derived from Dr. Glover’s research. Her papers are integral to focussed interest on this topic. Dr. Glover’s lecture will bring her work into greater attention within the field of exercise science, whereas her primary notoriety is within neuroscience. This lecture leads to a natural progression into lecture 3, where humans are studied using various non-invasive measurement techniques. Target audience: Primarily neurophysiologists, as well as medical science fields (such as neurologists and physiotherapists).
Read CV Isabel GloverECSS Paris 2023: IS-BM03
Strength training, as the primary exercise mode for increasing force production capacity, is a keen focus of this lecture. Dr. Walker provides evidence of enhanced reticulospinal functioning from chronic strength training. The lecture presents a possible (non-invasive) measurement battery to examine reticulospinal functioning and adaptation in humans, drawing on the experience of Dr. Walker and his collaborators. Relevance: Evidence of reticulospinal facilitation and adaptation in humans is presented, where methodological honing, as well as current limitations are discussed. This lecture primarily consists of unpublished and/or recently published data. Dr. Walker shares his latest research findings, which will encourage future randomized controlled trials to be performed. Target audience: Primarily biomechanists and neurophysiologists. However, attendance is expected from physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and training and testing.
Read CV Simon WalkerECSS Paris 2023: IS-BM03