Introduction to Motor Learning and Control Chapter 1

Definitions Motor learning Motor control Study of processes involved in acquiring and refining motor skills and of variables that promote or inhibit that acquisition Motor control Focuses on the neural, physical and behavioral aspects that underlie human movement

Learning vs. Performance A relatively permanent change in a person’s capability to execute a motor skill as a result of practice or experience. Performance The act of executing an act or skill

Motor Skill Goal-oriented Body and limb movements required to accomplish goal Voluntary Must be learned or re-learned

Precision of Movement Fine motor skill Gross motor skill Involving very precise movements normally accomplished using smaller musculature Gross motor skill Places less emphasis on precision and is typically the result of multi-limb movements

Precision of Movement Fine Gross

Nature of Movement Organization Discrete Beginning and end points are clearly defined Serial Composed of a number of discrete skills whose integrated performance is crucial for goal achievement Continuous Beginning and ending points are arbitrary

Predictability of the Environment Closed Performed in environments that are very stable and predictable Open Performed in unpredictable, ever changing environments

Predictability of the Environment Closed Open

Gentile’s Multidimensional Classification System Regulatory conditions Environmental factors that specify the movement characteristics necessary to successfully perform a skill Are the regulatory conditions stable or in motion? From trial to trial, do the regulatory conditions remain fixed or do they change?

Gentile’s Multidimensional Classification System Action requirements Is the performer required to change locations or maintain body position when performing the skill? Does the task require the performer to manipulate an object or opponent or not?

Task Examples

Individual Differences Relatively stable and enduring characteristics that make each of us unique Examples: Body type Physiological make-up Learning styles Type and amount of previous movement experience Developmental level Cultural background Psychological make-up

Abilities Genetic traits that are prerequisite to the development of skill proficiency Existence of general motor ability? Specificity hypothesis

Fleishman’s Taxonomy Groups motor abilities into two categories: Perceptual motor abilities Physical proficiency abilities

Perceptual Motor Abilities Control precision Multi-limb coordination Response orientation Reaction time Speed of limb movement Rate control Manual dexterity Finger dexterity Arm-hand steadiness Wrist finger speed Aiming

Physical Proficiency Abilities Static strength Dynamic strength Explosive strength Trunk strength Extent flexibility Dynamic flexibility Gross body coordination Gross body equilibrium Stamina

Task Analysis The breaking down of a skill into its component parts and corresponding underlying abilities

Task Analysis Example