Cerebellar modules and networks involved in locomotion control

Abstract

Modern neuroscience is paving the way for new insight into cerebellar functions including the control of cognitive, autonomic and emotional processes. Yet, how the cerebellum coordinates basic motor behavior such as locomotion is still only partly understood. Here, we will review the role of the cerebellum in locomotion from the perspective of neuro-anatomical and clinical reports as well as cell-specifi c rodent studies. Evidence has been emerging that different modules and networks exert synergistic roles in the preparation, performance, adaptation and consolidation of locomotion, highlighting their contribution to interlimb coordination and the accuracy, effi ciency and regularity of locomotion patterns.