AUTHOR=Dewolf Arthur H. , Sylos Labini Francesca , Ivanenko Yury , Lacquaniti Francesco 

TITLE=Development of Locomotor-Related Movements in Early Infancy

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience

VOLUME=14

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncel.2020.623759

DOI=10.3389/fncel.2020.623759

ISSN=1662-5102

ABSTRACT=<p>This mini-review focuses on the emergence of locomotor-related movements in early infancy. In particular, we consider multiples precursor behaviors of locomotion as a manifestation of the development of the neuronal networks and their link in the establishment of precocious locomotor skills. Despite the large variability of motor behavior observed in human babies, as in animals, afferent information is already processed to shape the behavior to specific situations and environments. Specifically, we argue that the closed-loop interaction between the neural output and the physical dynamics of the mechanical system should be considered to explore the complexity and flexibility of pattern generation in human and animal neonates.</p>