Studies of human movement have proliferated in recent years, and there have been many studies of spinal pathways in humans, their role in movement, and their dysfunction in neurological disorders. This comprehensive reference surveys the literature related to the control of spinal cord circuits in human subjects, showing how they can be studied, their role in normal movement, and how they malfunction in disease states. Chapters are highly illustrated and consistently organised, reviewing, for each pathway, the experimental background, methodology, organisation and control, role during motor tasks, and changes in patients with CNS lesions. Each chapter concludes with a helpful resume that can be used independently of the main text to provide practical guidance for clinical studies. This will be essential reading for research workers and clinicians involved in the study, treatment and rehabilitation of movement disorders.

Highly commended in the 2006 BMA Book Competition Awards

'Emmanuel Pierrot-Deseilligny and David Burke's important new book represents a review of many recent developments in the workings of the human spinal cord. The work reviewed is very much centred on the outstanding achievements that these two international leaders have contributed to the field … This book will become a unique resource, making available in one volume so many important published studies.'

Source: Brain

'… objectives are fully met by the authors. … The colour illustrations, the writing, and the references are all positive characteristics of this book. … This is an excellent book to be purchased for major academic neuroscience libraries.'

Source: Doody's