Fundamental Neural Pathways For Movement from Coursera

Fundamental Neural Pathways For Movement is the second course of the specialization "Science of Movement".

This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of the intricate processes that govern our ability to move and perform complex motor tasks.

In this course you will learn how generation of the activation signals required for movement can involve different parts of the nervous system. The discussion begins with the simplest neural pathways, those involving reflexes. Despite the simplicity of these pathways, the responses they produce depend on the context in which they are activated. The second type of movement to be considered will be the automatic behaviors produced by rhythmic activation signals. You will learn that these signals are constrained by the biomechanical requirements for the movement, they are modulated by the information received by the central nervous system from sensory receptors, and they are controlled by different parts of the brain.

By the end of this course, you will have gained a solid understanding of the neural pathways that underlie reflexes, locomotion, and intentional actions. You will appreciate the remarkable complexity and organization of our nervous system, and how it enables us to interact with the world around us. Whether you are interested in sports science, rehabilitation, or neurology, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel.

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Syllabus

Spinal Reflexes

In first module for this course you will learn how generation of the activation signals required for movement can involve different parts of the nervous system. The discussion begins with the simplest neural pathways: those involving reflexes.

Modulation of Reflex Pathways

The second module of this course establishes that despite the simplicity of the spinal reflex pathways, the responses can be modulated across conditions and by training interventions.

Locomotor Rhythms

The third module of this course explains how the central nervous system generates automatic behaviors, such as locomotion. These behaviors are produced by rhythmic activation signals. You will learn that these signals are constrained by the biomechanical requirements for the movement. They are modulated by the information received by the central nervous system from sensory receptors, and they are controlled by different parts of the brain.

Control of Locomotion

The final module explains that although the locomotor rhythm is produced by networks in the spinal cord, these networks are activated and modulated by inputs from peripheral sensory receptors and descending pathways from supraspinal centers.

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Develops a strong foundation in the neural pathways for movement

Useful for students interested in sports science, rehabilitation, or neurology

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamental Neural Pathways For Movement with these activities:

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous biology courses
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Review your notes or textbooks from previous anatomy courses
Review diagrams and images of the human body

Compile and organize your course materials

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Gather all of your course materials, including lecture notes, assignments, and readings
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Review Spinal Reflexes

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Refreshing your knowledge of spinal reflexes will help you build a stronger foundation for understanding the neural pathways that underlie movement.

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Read the textbook chapter on spinal reflexes.
Review your notes from previous courses on neuroanatomy and physiology.
Take a practice quiz on spinal reflexes.

Review the textbook: Principles of Neural Science

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Review the core concepts of neuroscience by reading a foundational text on the topic.

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Gather and review the textbook
Read the assigned chapters
Take notes on the key concepts
Summarize the key concepts in your own words

Watch video tutorials on neural pathways

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Supplement your learning by watching video tutorials on neural pathways.

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Find video tutorials online or on platforms like YouTube
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts
Review your notes and summarize the key concepts in your own words

Identify Reflex Pathways

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Practicing the identification of reflex pathways will help you strengthen your understanding of how the nervous system controls movement.

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Use an online tool to identify reflex pathways.
Create a diagram of a reflex pathway.
Explain the function of a reflex pathway.

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Engage with peers to deepen your understanding through discussions and collaboration.

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Find a study group or discussion forum related to the course
Participate in discussions and ask questions
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Solve practice problems on neural pathways

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Reinforce your understanding of neural pathways by solving practice problems.

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks
Attempt to solve the problems on your own
Check your answers and identify any areas where you need more practice

Explore Locomotor Rhythms

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Exploring locomotor rhythms through guided tutorials will help you gain a deeper understanding of how the nervous system generates automatic behaviors.

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Watch a video tutorial on locomotor rhythms.
Follow a step-by-step guide to create a model of a locomotor rhythm.
Apply what you have learned to analyze a real-world example of a locomotor rhythm.

Create a presentation on a specific neural pathway

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Deepen your understanding of neural pathways by creating a presentation on a specific topic.

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Choose a specific neural pathway to focus on
Research the neural pathway and gather information from credible sources
Organize your information into a logical flow
Create a presentation using slides or other visual aids
Practice your presentation

Present on Control of Locomotion

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Creating a presentation on control of locomotion will challenge you to synthesize your knowledge and communicate it effectively.

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Gather information on control of locomotion from textbooks, journal articles, and online resources.
Organize your information into a logical outline.
Create slides that are visually appealing and informative.
Practice your presentation.
Give your presentation to your classmates or a group of peers.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamental Neural Pathways For Movement will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Physical Therapist

As a Physical Therapist, you will make a difference as you help people regain their mobility, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Courses in movement science and the nervous system are essential coursework for admission into a Physical Therapy program. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can help you strengthen this foundational knowledge and advance toward a career in this field.

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Occupational Therapist

As an Occupational Therapist, you will use your knowledge of the nervous system and movement to help people improve their physical function and independence. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can provide you with a deeper understanding of the neural pathways that control movement and improve your ability to help patients restore function and improve mobility.

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Chiropractor

As a Chiropractor, you will use your knowledge of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems to diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal disorders. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can help you develop a stronger understanding of the neural pathways that control movement. This will help you identify and treat the root cause of a patient's movement impairments and improve patient outcomes.

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Athletic Trainer

As an Athletic Trainer, you will work with athletes of all levels to prevent injuries and help them recover from injuries. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can help you strengthen your understanding of the neural pathways that control movement. By understanding how the nervous system controls movement, athletic trainers can develop more effective rehabilitation programs and improve performance outcomes.

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Exercise Physiologist

As an Exercise Physiologist, you will use your knowledge of exercise and the human body to help people improve their health and fitness. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can help you better understand how the nervous system controls movement and how to use exercise to improve motor function and performance.

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Biomechanist

As a Biomechanist, you will study the mechanics of human movement and how the nervous system controls movement. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can help you understand the neural pathways that control movement and how they interact with the musculoskeletal system to produce movement. This knowledge will help you conduct research and improve our understanding of how the body moves.

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Neuroscientist

As a Neuroscientist, you will study the nervous system and its role in controlling movement. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can provide you with a deeper understanding of the neural pathways that control movement and the different factors that can affect motor function. This knowledge can help you succeed in research and advance our understanding of movement disorders and other neurological conditions.

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Kinesiologist

As a Kinesiologist, you will study human movement and how the nervous system controls movement. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can help you develop a stronger foundation in the neural pathways that control movement. With this knowledge, you can better understand how the body moves and how to improve movement patterns.

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Motor Control Specialist

As a Motor Control Specialist, you will use your knowledge of the nervous system and movement to help people improve their motor function. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can provide you with a deeper understanding of the neural pathways that control movement and how to use this knowledge to help patients improve their mobility and function.

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Prosthetist

As a Prosthetist, you will design and build prosthetics that can help people regain mobility and function. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can give you a better understanding of the neural pathways that control movement and how to use this knowledge to design and fit prosthetics that help patients move more naturally and comfortably.

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Robotics Engineer

As a Robotics Engineer, you will design and build robots that can move and interact with the world around them. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can give you a better understanding of the neural pathways that control movement in humans and animals. This knowledge will help you design robots that move more naturally and efficiently.

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Neurosurgeon

As a Neurosurgeon, you will operate on the brain and nervous system to treat a variety of conditions, including those that affect movement. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can provide you with a deeper understanding of the neural pathways that control movement and how they can be affected by disease or injury. This knowledge will help you make better decisions during surgery and improve patient outcomes.

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Neurologist

As a Neurologist, you will diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system, including those that affect movement. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can help you build a stronger foundation in the neural pathways that control movement. With this knowledge, you can better understand how neurological disorders affect movement and how to develop effective treatment plans.

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Sports Medicine Physician

As a Sports Medicine Physician, you will diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses in athletes. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can help you build a stronger foundation in the neural pathways that control movement. With this knowledge, you can better understand how injuries and illnesses affect movement and how to develop effective treatment plans to help athletes return to play.

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Physiatrist

As a Physiatrist, you will diagnose and treat physical impairments and disabilities. This course in Fundamental Neural Pathways for Movement can help you build a stronger foundation in the neural pathways that control movement. With this knowledge, you can better understand how physical impairments affect movement and how to develop effective treatment plans to improve function.

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Fundamental Neural Pathways For Movement

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