Regulation of reflex gain in the control of movement

The myotatic reflex, the simplest and fastest feedback loop of the motor system has not been demonstrated to possess a clear and simple physiological role in motor control. In this paper, we discuss two possible roles, load compensation and sensory-motor integration. Integral to both these roles is the idea that the gain of the closed-loop reflex arc is one of the regulated parameters of the system. Data supporting these roles and the hypothesis of gain control is presented and discussed.