[Control of the human and animal locomotor activity in the absence of supraspinal effects].

In patients deprived of supraspinal effects, electrical epidural stimulation of the spinal cord's dorsal surface at the level of 2nd lumbar segment induces step-like movements accompanied by respective electromyographic activity of the leg's muscles. Triggering of the step-like movements occurs at certain parameters of the stimulation. The data obtained suggest that human spinal cord has networks of interneurons-generators of the step-like movements. A leading role of the spinal cord's propriospinal system in activation of spinal generators of stepping under epidural influences was shown in cats.