Cortico-Muscular Network Interactions

Network Physiology explores the multi-scale, multi-dimensional nature of the body's systems that, through interactions among organs under the control of hormonal, immunity and neuronal systems interdependent via hemodynamic and metabolic processes, interact with the environment. The focus here is on the interdependence between the brain—composed of neurons that function both as nodes (somas) and connectors (axons), forming intricate Neuronal Networks (NN)—and muscular effectors, aware that this interplay works only via multimodal sensory feedback. Networks can be defined by nodes that receive environmental inputs and produce outputs, with connections that are both excitatory and inhibitory. A key research aim is to deepen the understanding of how time-structured patterns of electrical activity, called local neurodynamics, of specific nodes emerge from the muscular-central interaction, providing goal-directed behavior. Building on existing knowledge, we propose the feedback-synchrony-plasticity triad as a fundamental organizing principle for neuronal networks across multiple scales. This triad may explain the fractal properties observed in neurodynamics, and it would be very interesting to connect such features with the muscular patterns producing behavior. From a translational perspective, we propose to utilize both invasive and non-invasive electrophysiological techniques alongside brain stimulation to enhance our understanding and treatment of neurodynamic dysfunctions. This approach aligns with the emerging field of neuromodulation, which focuses on treating ailments through precise electrical communication. Such coordinated communication between central networks and muscle effectors tunes up along life, with progressive fine-tuning of frequency coding and dynamic properties within corticospinal networks. In later life, this tuning attenuates, and network integration breaks down. The fine-tuning of central networks relies on continuous sensory integration with feedback circuits, reflecting in muscle-specific pattern profiles. These profiles are robust across various timescales, universal among subjects, and follow a developmental pathway affected by fatigue and aging. Understanding cortico-muscular synchronizations and their interaction provides insights into age-related changes, autonomic regulation, and chronic fatigue.

This Research Topic aims to develop novel analytic and computational methods within the Network Physiology framework to better understand cortico-muscular network interactions. Specific questions include how local neurodynamics emerge from muscular-central interactions, how the objective-dependent feedback-synchrony-plasticity triad operates across multiple scales, and how these principles can be applied to clinical conditions. Hypotheses to be tested include the fractal properties of neurodynamics and their connection to muscular patterns, as well as the efficacy of neuromodulation techniques in treating neurodynamic dysfunctions.

To gather further insights into the boundaries of cortico-muscular network interactions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Mechanisms of feedback-synchrony-plasticity in neuronal networks
- Fractal properties of neurodynamics and their relation to muscular patterns
- Invasive and non-invasive electrophysiological techniques
- Brain stimulation methods for neuromodulation
- Age-related changes in cortico-muscular synchronizations
- Autonomic regulation and chronic fatigue
- Analytic and computational methods in Network Physiology
- Clinical applications for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, muscle dystrophy, neurodegenerative disorders, sports trauma, dystonia and behavioral disorders
- State and synchronization measures in complex systems
- Manual control networks and their sensitivity to behavioral and structural conditions