Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a process by which sections of nerves, such as those within the spinal cord, have what has been termed a ‘burst generator’ which controls rhythmic motions such as walking. This research, sadly only completed in medicinal leeches at print time, may lead to insights into treatment methodologies to help restore mobility in the future. Medical news today reports:

The study, headed by Joshua Puhl, Ph.D., and Karen Mesce, Ph.D., in the Departments of Entomology and Neuroscience, discovered it’s possible that the human nervous system - within each segment or region of spinal cord - may have its own “unit burst generator” to control rhythmic movements such as walking.

By studying a simpler model of locomotion, in the medicinal leech, the research shows where these unit burst generators reside and that each nerve cord segment has a complete generator. When a neuron fires, it sets off a chain reaction that gives rise to rhythmic movement. Once those circuits are turned on, the body essentially goes on autopilot.