Parameter and Signal Adaptation in the Stretch Reflex Loop

Abstract

Publisher Summary Using the adaptive system in engineering as a background, a speculative model reference adaptive scheme for the muscle control system is proposed in this chapter. The model is then simulated, using physiological data, to investigate the relative effectiveness and feasibility of parameters and signal adaption. The simulations are followed by experimental results supporting the adaptation concepts in addition to the manifestation of unconscious learning—equivalent to the building of the model reference in the present scheme. The basic results can be summarized as—the parameters of the small signal, linear muscle model are non-linearly and strongly interrelated; the range of variations of the reflex loop parameters is physiologically bound; signal levels in the central nervous system (CNS) have higher bounds than those of the reflex loop; in view of the first two points, it is quite obvious that parameter adaptation schemes developed for engineering purposes are inadequate, and that parameter adaptation is inferior to signal adaptation; and signal adaptation is feasible in cases unaffected by neural delay. Parameter adaptation helps modify the response to external disturbance input, as long as the system is well identified.