Insights from models of rhythmic motor systems

Computational models of rhythmic motor systems are valuable tools for the study of motor pattern generation and control. Recent modeling advances, together with experimental results, suggest that rhythmic behaviors, such as breathing or walking, are influenced by complex interactions among motor system components. Such interactions occur at all levels of organization, from the subcellular through to the cellular, synaptic, and network levels to the level of neuromuscular interactions and that of the whole organism. Simultaneously, safety mechanisms at all levels contribute to network stability and the generation of robust motor patterns.