Motor learning
Learning goals We are learning the components involved in the study of motor learning. We are learning the mechanics of motor control.
Growth & Development GROWTH: an increase in the size of body tissues, organs & systems refers to physical changes in the body MATURATION: a change in the functioning of body structures, behavioural characteristics & intellectual capacity emphasis is on function, or actions, not size DEVELOPMENT: an all-encompassing term which includes the relatively permanent changes that result from growth, maturation & learning
definitions Learning a change in behaviour as a result of experience or practice Motor Learning a permanent change in skill performance as a result of practice with the movement
Motor Skill an act or task that has a goal to achieve requires voluntary skill movement Motor Ability a general trait or capacity of an individual to perform a skill
Two areas of research Motor Control how the brain causes / coordinates movements Motor Performance the observable behaviour, the outcome identifies if learning has occurred
Sensorimotor system
Central nervous system Motor Cortex controls body movement of skeletal muscles spatially represented - more area means more control
Cerebellum continuously adjusts to provide smooth coordinated movements Spinal Cord relays messages, controlling voluntary movements
Peripheral nervous system muscle and motor units
Golgi Tendon - respond to stretch in tendons Muscles Spindles - respond to stretch in muscles Joint Receptors - mechanoreceptros in synovial capsule Skin and Pressure Receptors - touch, pain, etc.
Reflex arc
5 parts to reflex arc Stimulus (receptor receives) Sensory neurons (carries impulse to spinal column or brain) Interneurons (interprets signal and issues response) Motor neurons (carries message to muscle or organ) Response (carries out response)
Theories of motor control
Automatic motor activity Open Loop Model motor program contains all the information needed to carry out the action feedback available but cannot be used due to nature of task
Controlled motor activity Closed Loop Model while performing, continually registering and evaluating the accuracy of the movement feedback used to control movement
application when we first learn or relearn a motor skill, all performers operate in a closed loop fashion need for feedback need for instruction as we become better at the motor skill, we switch to more open loop control we need to provide variety in practicing the skill in differing real-life situations
Please complete Read p 182-187 Answer: Define the term ‘reflex’ and state the differences between (a) a cerebral reflex and a spinal reflex; and, (b) autonomic reflexes and somatic reflexes. List the five parts of a reflex arc.
Neuroplasticity Video Define neuroplasticity. List the three ways in which the brain changes. What are her two major learnings from research?
Learning goals We are learning the components involved in the study of motor learning. We are learning the mechanics of motor control.