1. Motor learning

2. Learning goals
We are learning the components involved in the study of motor learning.
We are learning the mechanics of motor control.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Two areas of research Motor Control
how the brain causes / coordinates movements
Motor Performance
the observable behaviour, the outcome
identifies if learning has occurred

7. Sensorimotor system

8. Central nervous system
Motor Cortex
controls body movement of skeletal muscles
spatially represented - more area means more control

9. Cerebellum
continuously adjusts to provide smooth coordinated movements
Spinal Cord
relays messages, controlling voluntary movements

10. Peripheral nervous system
muscle and motor units

11. 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.

12. Reflex arc

13. 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)

14. Theories of motor control

15. 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

16. Controlled motor activity
Closed Loop Model
while performing, continually registering and evaluating the accuracy of the movement
feedback used to control movement

17. 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

18. 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.

19. Neuroplasticity Video
Define neuroplasticity.
List the three ways in which the brain changes.
What are her two major learnings from research?

20. Learning goals
We are learning the components involved in the study of motor learning.
We are learning the mechanics of motor control.