Reflex Circuits and Their Modulation in Motor Control: A Historical Perspective and Current View

Abstract

Sensorimotor reflexes have long been, and continue to be, an
area of tremendous research in movement neuroscience. Here I aim to
provide an account of some studies that have been crucial in advancing
our understanding of the organization of reflex circuits, their function
and their modulation during motor control. I review research ranging from
early experiments in reduced animal preparations that investigated the
basic building blocks of reflex circuits to more recent studies in humans
that demonstrate remarkable tunability of reflexes in response to variety
of contingencies related to the task, the body and the environment. By
providing such an integrated account of the historical aspects and current
view on reflex function, I attempt to bring out the stunning complexity
of reflex machinery, as well as the incredible adaptability of this machinery
despite its underlying complexity