Effects of corticospinal lesions upon treadmill locomotion by cats

SummaryWe studied the pattern of stepping in cats, before and after the placement of lesions in the corticospinal system. We found a deficit after the lesions, which was characterized by increased extension of the involved hindlimbs during the stance (E2–E3) phase of the step cycle. This deficit lasted two weeks or less. It may reflect loss of inhibitory influences upon extensor motoneuron pools.

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