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To generate a central pattern the behavior patterned has to occur or at the very least as if it had occurred.  Repeating the behavior strengthens retention of the pattern.  Neurons carry out the behavior and the sequential activation of the neurons is retained as the pattern.  Central Pattern Generation is not exclusive to actually carrying out the behavior.  The neurons which would have carried out a behavior can be patterned even if they do not carry out the behavior so long as they and the pattern are identified.  This may relate to musicians preparing music to be performed when they study the music to be performed without actually performing the music in order to prepare themselves to play a composition.  Central Pattern Generations appear to be coordinated by corollary discharges.