Once More on the Equilibrium-Point Hypothesis (λ Model) for Motor Control

The equilibrium control hypothesis (λ model) is considered with special reference to the following concepts: (a) the length-force invariant characteristic (IC) of the muscle together with central and reflex systems subserving its activity; (b) the tonic stretch reflex threshold (λ) as an independent measure of central commands descending to alpha and gamma motoneurons; (c) the equilibrium point, defined in terms of λ, IC and static load characteristics, which is associated with the notion that posture and movement are controlled by a single mechanism; and (d) the muscle activation area (a reformulation of the “size principle”)— the area of kinematic and command variables in which a rank-ordered recruitment of motor units takes place. The model is used for the interpretation of various motor phenomena, particularly electromyographic patterns. The stretch reflex in the λ model has no mechanism to follow-up a certain muscle length prescribed by central commands. Rather, its task is to bring the system to an ...