interlimb

Interlimb refers to anything involving the space, relationship, or interaction between limbs. The term is used as an adjective and, less commonly, as a noun in discussions of motor control, rehabilitation, and robotics.

In anatomy and physiology, interlimb coordination describes the timing and spatial alignment of movements between limbs during activities such as walking, running, or jumping. It contrasts with intralimb coordination, which concerns joints and muscles within a single limb. Interlimb interactions are mediated by neural networks such as spinal central pattern generators and supraspinal structures, enabling synchronized limb rhythms and adaptive responses to perturbations. Interlimb reflexes can propagate activity from one limb to another, influencing gait and posture.

In robotics and engineering, interlimb coordination refers to algorithms and control strategies that coordinate multiple actuated limbs to achieve stable locomotion or manipulation. This includes legged robots with shared load distribution, balance control, and gait transitions, and may draw on biological principles of interlimb coupling.

In clinical rehabilitation and sports science, interlimb coordination is a target for improving motor function after injury or disease and for enhancing athletic performance through symmetry and timing.

Origin of the term: formed from inter- meaning between and limb to denote relationships or interactions between limbs.