Adaptive feedback control models of the vestibulocerebellum and spinocerebellum

Abstract

We extend the cerebellar learning model proposed by Kawato and Gomi (1992) to the case where a specific region of the cerebellum executes adaptive feedback control as well as feedforward control. The model is still based on the feedback-error-learning scheme. The proposed adaptive feedback control model is developed in detail as a specific neural circuit model for three different regions of the cerebellum and the learning of the corresponding representative movements: (i) the flocculus and adaptive modification of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and optokinetic eye-movement responses, (ii) the vermis and adaptive posture control, and (iii) the intermediate zones of the hemisphere and adaptive control of locomotion. As a representative example, simultaneous adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and the optokinetic eye-movement response was successfully simulated while the Purkinje cells receive copies of motor commands through recurrent neural connections as well as vestibular and retinal-slip parallel-fiber inputs.