Interaction between spindle sensitivity and inhibitory mechanisms under coactivation

Characterize how increased muscle spindle excitability via alpha–gamma coactivation or beta motor neurons interacts with presynaptic and recurrent inhibition across different levels of coactivation, and determine the net effect on rapid proprioceptive feedback responses to the same mechanical disturbances.

Background

The authors discuss that spindle sensitivity can be increased by descending control (alpha–gamma coactivation and beta motor neurons) but may be offset by increased presynaptic and recurrent inhibition depending on coactivation level.

They explicitly state that it remains to be explored how these mechanisms interact to enable fast and flexible responses to sensory feedback.