Animal movements result from a balance of many different forces, and are the product of neural outputs acting on muscles driving a mechanically complex body in an unpredictable environment. Locomotion emerges from interactions within and among these neural, sensory and motor systems and the external environment. In order to achieve an integrated understanding of locomotion, even in very simple model organisms, interdisciplinary approaches that combine experiments, mathematical and computational models, and robotic models are necessary. This Research Coordination Network on the Neuromechanics and Dynamics of Locomotion will catalyze interactions and communication between researchers from diverse backgrounds whose combined expertise will lead to significant progress in uncovering the fundamental processes of this complex system. We will use our successes in understanding the swimming behavior of lamprey through coordinated neural and mechanical studies (experimental, robotic and computational) as a model for the RCN?s approach to interdisciplinary collaborations. The RCN will provide a framework that facilitates these collaborations through planned activities that include exchange visits of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows among RCN laboratories, an annual Winter Workshop on Locomotion, visits among members of the RCN network, organization of minisyposia at national meetings, and maintenance of a locomotion website.
One ideal in neuroscience is to understand how the nervous system creates a complete behavior. Locomotion is a prime example of such a complex behavior. Relationships among neuronal and motoneuronal activities, and the resulting dynamic muscle forces would need to be deduced. One would then describe how muscle forces combine with the mechanics of the organism in its environment. Finally, the integration of sensory feedback into movement control must be described. The neuromechanics and dynamics of locomotion present a rich array of challenges to biologists, mathematicians, engineers and computational scientists. This RCN will support graduate students and postdocs to visit a laboratory outside their own discipline, where they can develop a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between theory, computation, and experiment. Members of the steering committee have demonstrated commitment to this model of training, and have excellent track-records in the mentoring of students, ranging from directing undergraduate research, directing MS and Ph.D. theses, and serving as advisors to postdoctoral students. This RCN will serve as a means to increase the number of US women and minorities in scientific research.
