INTRODUCTION TO THE NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF MOVEMENT

This introductory textbook explores how the brain and spinal cord regulate movement. It is designed for senior undergraduate and early-stage graduate or clinical students in movement sciences, physiology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation sciences and speech sciences.

The book begins by presenting the fundamentals of cellular neurophysiology in a conceptual and accessible manner. It then explores key principles of sensory processing, using the somatosensory system as both a model system and a fundamental component of movement control.

The motor system is discussed in detail, starting with the periphery (focusing on the motor unit) and progressing to motor areas in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and basal ganglia. The roles of these regions are examined within the framework of three broad categories of movement: reflexes, rhythmic behaviours and voluntary movements. The book also discusses various neurological disorders affecting movement and outlines current therapeutic approaches.