A possible mode of action of static fusimotor axons as revealed by system identification techniques

Abstract

Fusimotor axons are classified by their effects on the discharge of the primary muscle spindle ending during a ramp stretch of the parent muscle. In this paper techniques of system identification and parameter estimation are used to provide an alternative approach to the development of models relating the characteristics of the discharge of the muscle spindle primary sensory ending to the stretch applied to the muscle. Results suggest that system identification methods provide useful quantitative estimates of muscle spindle parameters that could lead to the development of methods for indirect measurement of the mechanical properties of intrafusal fibres.