Neurological System in Physiotherapy

Structure and Function of the Neurological System

  • Neurological System Overview

    • The nervous system is crucial for movement control and is influenced by individual factors, tasks, and environmental conditions.

  • Systems Model of Motor Control

    • Movement is a result of interactions between the individual, the task, and the environment.

    • Example: Kicking a football involves vision, balance, decision-making, coordination, and sensory feedback.

  • Components of Voluntary Movement

    • Involves multiple nervous system components: Central Nervous System (CNS) including cerebrum, basal ganglia, cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord.

    • Control of movement is distributed throughout the CNS, acknowledging that multiple parts work simultaneously.

  • Processes in Movement Control

    1. Sensing the Environment: Information is gathered via sensory receptors.

    2. Interpreting Sensory Input: Integrates sensory info with memory.

    3. Deciding on Action: Establishes goal-oriented behavior.

    4. Planning Movement: Specific muscle activation plans are formed.

    5. Issuing Commands: CNS commands activate muscles for movement.

    6. Executing Movement: Involves motor neurons and muscle action.

    7. Modifying Movement: Adjustment occurs based on feedback, either consciously or subconsciously.

  • Sensory Systems Impacting Movement

    • Somatosensation: Involves touch, pressure, proprioception. Receptors include muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs.

    • Vision: Processes light detection, integrated through optic pathways to the visual cortex.

    • Vestibular Input: Provides information regarding motion and head position, influencing balance and spatial orientation.

  • Nervous System Functionality

    • Fast communication system handling sensory input, analysis, and behavioral responses in milliseconds.

    • Key functions: gathering information, analyzing it, and providing response.

  • Modification of Movement

    • The CNS adapts movements based on dynamic feedback from tasks or environmental changes for effective movement execution.

  • Motor Control and Learning

    • Motor plans (pre-stored movements) guide muscle activation and influence motor execution. Continuous adaptations are made for enhancing movement accuracy and efficiency.