Motor Control and Planning Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of plyometric training?

Lower energy expenditure

Increased muscle stiffness

Decreased tissue compliance

Ability to store and release more elastic energy (correct)

Static stretching increases the stiffness of the muscle-tendon complex.

False

What are the two main systems that contribute to the initial intention and planning of a movement?

The reacting brain and the thinking brain

Rate coding involves increasing the ________ rate to summate force.

firing Signup and view all the answers

Match the components with their respective functions:

Limbic system = Emotional control and instinctual processes Cerebral cortex = Higher-level thinking and planning Type I fibers = Lower force output and endurance Type IIa fibers = Moderate force production Signup and view all the answers

Which motor unit recruitment strategy is predominantly used for high force production?

Rate coding Signup and view all the answers

What role does the reactive brain play in motor control?

It contributes to memory, emotional control, and motivation. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the basal ganglia play in motor planning?

It helps in cognitive control and decision making Signup and view all the answers

The motor cortex initiates motor plans without any input from the thalamus.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cerebellum in motor planning?

To refine movement and prediction of outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

The ______________ cortex is responsible for direct cognitive control and executive decision-making.

association Signup and view all the answers

Match the brain structures to their functions in motor planning:

Cerebral Cortex = Direct cognitive control and decision making Thalamus = Relays sensory information to the motor cortex Basal Ganglia = Modulates actions and facilitates motor planning Cerebellum = Refines movement and predicts outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Which area receives both recent and long-ago sensory information for movement planning?

Association Cortex Signup and view all the answers

The brainstem is directly involved in higher-level cognitive decision making.

False Signup and view all the answers

What process predicts outcomes and accounts for variability in movements?

The cerebellum's processing of sensory information. Signup and view all the answers

Motor plans are initiated in the ___________________, which is part of the cerebral cortex.

motor cortex Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between the basal ganglia and motor planning?

Basal ganglia assist with planning, but do not initiate actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Central Pattern Generators?

They control genetically defined movement patterns. Signup and view all the answers

Once a movement is initiated, it cannot be stopped regardless of the motor program released.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name the two types of system control in movement.

Open-Loop Control and Closed-Loop Control Signup and view all the answers

The brainstem and spinal cord are areas associated with _______ for controlling movement patterns.

Central Pattern Generators Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of control with their characteristics:

Open-Loop Control = Instructions determined in advance Closed-Loop Control = Involves feedback and error correction Central Pattern Generators = Genetically defined movement patterns Point of No Return = Time before which a movement can be stopped Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by slower reaction times in complex responses?

More planning time is needed Signup and view all the answers

Startled reactions result in a delayed response compared to regular reactions.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are deafferentation experiments used to study?

Movement control without sensory feedback Signup and view all the answers

Deafferented monkeys experience some difficulty with ______ control.

fine finger Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of evidence for motor programs?

Reaction facility Signup and view all the answers

In reaction time studies, simple RT measures the processing time for complex movements.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary takeaway from Henry and Rogers’ experiment regarding movement complexity?

More complex movements take longer to plan. Signup and view all the answers

The time difference between a regular beep and a loud horn in reaction time studies is approximately ______ ms.

100 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following reactions/methods with their descriptions:

Simple reaction time = Measures uncomplicated motor responses Startled reactions = Faster than regular reactions under surprise Deafferentation = Severing sensory nerves without affecting motor pathways Central pattern generator = Neural mechanisms that produce rhythmic movements Signup and view all the answers

Muscle activity can occur even when movements are blocked, indicating pre-planned actions.

True Signup and view all the answers

What defines and shapes movements and is created and stored within the CNS?

Motor program Signup and view all the answers

Open-loop control actions change in response to feedback about their success.

False Signup and view all the answers

In motor control, what are the two ways in which movements can be controlled?

Open-loop and closed-loop Signup and view all the answers

An example of open-loop control is a __________ traffic light that operates on a preset cycle.

traffic light Signup and view all the answers

Match the following examples with their description of control methods:

Open-loop = Actions that do not use feedback Closed-loop = Actions that adjust based on feedback Motor Program = Set of movement commands Feedback = Information used to modify actions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of motor programming in open-loop systems?

Adjusting the speed of a running sequence based on environmental changes Signup and view all the answers

In a closed-loop system, a new movement requires a new motor program for every change.

False Signup and view all the answers

What must happen in the brain before a rapid movement in open-loop control?

Instructions are compiled and sent to the muscles. Signup and view all the answers

In a baseball swing, the motor program includes planning the speed, trajectory, and __________ of the swing.

timing Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best represents an open-loop system?

Following a preset route by a car's navigation system without changes Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with the cognitive stage of learning?

Dominated by cognitive factors like problem-solving Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the associative stage of motor skill development?

Detection and correction of errors Signup and view all the answers

Which component of creativity in motor learning involves executing movements effectively?

Efficacy Signup and view all the answers

In the context of knowledge structure and information processing, what ability is critical for anticipating future actions?

Recognizing opponent patterns Signup and view all the answers

Which type of coordination refers to the efficient recruitment of motor units within a muscle?

Intramuscular Coordination Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of novice movers in coordination?

They move all segments of their body as a single unit. Signup and view all the answers

What exemplifies low attention demand in the autonomous stage of learning?

Ability to adapt movements to changing conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects is NOT a component of creativity in motor learning?

Strict adherence to standard techniques Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes energy efficiency in expert performers?

They minimize unnecessary movements for smoother execution. Signup and view all the answers

In motor learning, which phase is characterized by the learner's adaptation to novel situations?

Autonomous Phase Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of expert athletes in relation to mechanical degrees of freedom?

They release mechanical degrees of freedom for precise control. Signup and view all the answers

How do visual search patterns contribute to an athlete's performance?

They help athletes seek visual cues more efficiently. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best distinguishes the approach of novice and expert boxers?

Expert boxers emphasize defensive movements while novices focus on landing punches. Signup and view all the answers

What role does interpersonal coordination play in sports?

It adapts athletes' movements according to opponents' actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about learning styles in sports training?

A mix of teaching methods often yields better results than relying on one learning style. Signup and view all the answers

In which stage of learning does a basketball player focus on refining their shooting form?

Associative stage Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive change occurs in skilled athletes as they progress in their training?

They achieve goals differently due to increased knowledge and skill. Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the cognitive stage of learning in swimming?

Mastering breathing techniques for the first time. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is prioritized by an expert diver when performing a controlled somersault?

Releasing mechanical degrees of freedom for precision. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy does a baseball batter use to enhance performance during a pitch?

Tracking the pitcher’s hand motion and ball release point. Signup and view all the answers

What role do Central Pattern Generators primarily serve in motor control?

They govern genetically defined movement patterns. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation best illustrates the concept of a point of no return in movement control?

Stopping an initiated swing action in baseball. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of muscle activity during blocked movements, what observation was made?

Both agonist and antagonist muscles show similar activation patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of open-loop control systems?

They execute predetermined instructions without feedback. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common function performed by major roles of open-loop organizations in movement control?

To manage postural adjustments necessary for actions. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does plyometric training have on tissue stiffness?

Increases tissue stiffness Signup and view all the answers

Which motor unit recruitment strategy is associated with smaller muscle fibers?

Type I Signup and view all the answers

In terms of controlling force output, what is the predominant strategy for high force production?

Rate coding Signup and view all the answers

Which brain region is primarily involved in motivation and emotional control during movement?

Limbic system Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of motor control does the closed-loop system primarily rely on?

Feedback adjustments Signup and view all the answers

What role do the 'thinking brain' and 'reacting brain' play in motor planning?

The thinking brain is involved in planning while the reacting brain influences initial intentions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of increased muscle-tendon stiffness due to training?

Enhanced elastic energy storage Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of open-loop control in motor programs?

Movements are pre-structured and independent of environmental changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which phase in executing a movement program occurs first?

Input Identification Signup and view all the answers

In a completely open-loop system, what is necessary for each movement execution?

A new motor program for each new movement. Signup and view all the answers

What type of movements are primarily controlled by open-loop systems?

Rapid and discrete movements that require pre-planning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of an open-loop control system?

Inability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How does the motor program function during a baseball swing?

It encompasses the entire swing's speed, trajectory, and timing. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about open-loop control is true?

It does not allow for adjustments once initiated. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a traffic light be considered an example of open-loop control?

It operates on a pre-set cycle regardless of accidents. Signup and view all the answers

In motor control, what key role does the central nervous system play?

It stores and generates movement commands as motor programs. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports the assertion that movements can be planned and executed without feedback?

Inhibitory control of actions Signup and view all the answers

In reaction time studies, how do complex responses impact the planning of movements?

They increase the time needed for planning Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of deafferentation in monkeys as shown in experiments?

Preserved ability to perform simple tasks Signup and view all the answers

What does the phenomenon of startled reactions during a movement indicate?

Speed enhancement due to automatic processing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between reaction time and movement complexity as demonstrated in studies?

Complex movements result in slower reaction times Signup and view all the answers

What role does the central pattern generator play in movement execution?

It generates rhythmic patterns of motor activity Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the impact of movement blocking experiments on understanding motor control?

Muscle activity occurs even without full movement execution Signup and view all the answers

What does the reaction time difference between a regular beep and a loud horn suggest in motor program execution?

Immediate motor program activation occurs Signup and view all the answers

What general conclusion can be drawn from studies discussed regarding the necessity of sensory information in controlling movements?

Movements can be performed without sensory input Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would an individual experience increased reaction time during movement execution?

Executing a novel and complex task Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the basal ganglia in motor planning?

Modifying motor plans initiated by other brain regions Signup and view all the answers

Which structure relays the modified motor plans to the motor cortex?

Thalamus Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered when planning movement according to the content?

Weather conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the motor cortex and motor plans?

Motor plans are refined and initiated by the motor cortex based on multiple inputs. Signup and view all the answers

In rapid movements, how is the idea for a movement initiated?

Primarily from sensory inputs or higher brain activations Signup and view all the answers

What type of information does the cerebellum primarily process?

Sensory information related to motor activity Signup and view all the answers

Which brain area is critical for cognitive control during motor planning?

Cerebral Cortex Signup and view all the answers

What role does the thalamus serve in the context of motor planning?

It integrates sensory inputs and motor signals for movement planning. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of movement planning is primarily focused on predicting outcomes and accounting for variability?

Higher cognitive functions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Motor Learning - PHY 4518

Course offered by Mount Royal University
Instructor: Zoe Chan, PhD
Course code: PHYL 4518
Semester: Fall 2024
Week: 6

Stretch-Shortening Cycle

Plyometric training involves high-effort power training with forceful eccentric phase followed by explosive rapid reversal of concentric phase
Increased tissue stiffness leads to enhanced elastic energy storage.
Static stretching involves a complex stiffness of muscle-tendon complex and absorb and dissipate force instead of transmitting it.
Stiff training can store and release more energy, whilst compliant training can store and release less energy.

Controlling Force Output

Rate coding involves increasing firing rate.
Summation of force is a technique used to generate greater force.
Motor unit recruitment involves the recruitment of more motor units of increasing size and complexity (Type I → Type IIa → IIx) to increase force generation in larger muscles.
Simultaneous contraction of multiple motor units (MUs) is frequently used to increase force.
Smaller muscle recruitment typically involves rate coding, whereas larger muscle recruitment involves a combination of motor unit recruitment and rate coding.
50% maximum vs 100% maximum squatting; the strategy shifts from rate coding to a combined rate coding and motor unit recruitment as maximum force is required.

Today's Learning Objectives

Understand how the CNS plans and initiates motor actions, and how it responds to feedback.
Compare open-loop and closed-loop control.
Identify evidence for the existence of motor programs.

Before the Motor Command: Planning

Movement begins with the will to move.
Intention contributes to initial intention and planning.
The reacting brain and the thinking brain are two main systems.

The Reacting Brain

Limbic system (multiple brain regions) is involved in memory, emotional control, motivation, hormonal regulation and instinctual processes (e.g., sexual drive and feeding).
Emotional motor responses can be initiated from sensations or internal thoughts.
Emotional motor responses (e.g., fight-or-flight) have two potential paths, either directly to the brainstem, or via basal ganglia to cortical areas for modification.

The Thinking Brain

Motor plans are planned and initiated in a cognitive framework.
Direct cognitive control is used for executive decision making.
Movement is planned from the association cortex (parts of cerebral cortex), basal ganglia, and cerebellum.
Considerations for movement planning include movement goals, memory, emotional state, and recent and long-ago movements.
The anticipated outcome is considered and accommodated for in movement planning.
Motor cortex refines movement, initiates motor plan and sends down pyramidal and extrapyramidal tracts. Movement can be initiated by sensory input or arise from the brain.
Movement can be performed rapidly, without conscious attention.

Unit 5: Motor Programs

Motor program: Prescribed instructions that pre-define and shape movements.
Motor programs are created and stored in the central nervous system (CNS).
Motor programs are responsible for grading, timing, and coordinating muscular activity necessary for specific movements.

Modeling CNS Functioning

Motor program describes pre-structured set of movement commands.
Motor programs shape movements and are created and stored within the CNS.
Motor programs are used for grading, timing, and coordinating muscular actions.

Control of Movement: Open-Loop vs. Closed-Loop

Open-loop control is a system that sends instructions that are determined in advance without feedback.
Closed-loop control is a system that includes feedback, error detection and error correction.

Open-Loop Control: General Concept

Actions are initiated but do not change in accordance with successful outcomes.
These actions do not utilize feedback.
Closed-loop control is well suited to stable environments.

Open Loop Control in Motor Control

Central nervous system creates motor program instructions in advance to initiate rapid movements.
Motor programs are sent to muscles to control movement without feedback.
New movements in an open-loop system require new motor program generation.

Motor Programs as Open-Loop Systems

Many movements, especially rapid/discrete movements, utilize open-loop control.
There isn’t enough time to process information about movement errors.
Movement plans must be planned in entirety in advance such as in a baseball swing.

Evidence and for Motor Programs

Reaction time: More complex movements have longer reaction time than simple movements.
Startled reactions: Startled reactions are faster than regular reactions due to the unexpected nature of the stimulus-response.
Deafferentation: Severing sensory nerves doesn't change motor pathways.
Central pattern generators: Pattern of the brainstem and spinal cord for movements are genetically defined (e.g. swimming in fish, chewing in hamsters).
Inhibiting actions: there's a point of no return in movement, where stopping is not possible once the movement is initiated.
Muscle activity in blocked movements: muscle activity is the same activation pattern for normal and blocked movements

Reaction-Time: Complex Responses

Time taken in response measures information processing in movements.
Complex movements take longer reaction time than simple movements.

Reaction-Time: Startled Reactions

Reaction time is tested by a beep, where the participant is asked to hit a target with a hand.
Two conditions are tested, a regular beep and alarming beep.
The alarming beep results in a shorter reaction time, due to the unexpected nature of the stimulus-response.

Deafferentation Experiments

Deafferentation involves severing afferent nerve bundles.
Deafferentation experiments show that motor pathways are not dependent on sensory feedback.
Deafferented monkeys can perform movements like climbing, playing, grooming, feeding, and balance, although there are some difficulties with fine motor control.

Central Pattern Generator

Central pattern generators are areas in the brainstem or spinal cord controlling a genetically defined movement pattern, (e.g. swimming in fish, chewing in hamsters, slithering in snakes, walking in humans).
Central pattern generators are triggered by a brief stimulus; the pattern generation system is similar to the motor program.

Inhibiting Actions

Experiments involve participants stopping movements after initiation.
The point of no return in a movement is 150-170 ms before movement initiation.
(E.g. finger lifting experiment, baseball check swing) - There is a "point of no return" once a movement is initiated, where the movement cannot be stopped.

Muscle activity in blocked movements

Participants were instructed to extend the elbow while monitoring the antagonist/agonist EMG activity.
Two conditions (normal extension and extension blocked) elicited similar activation patterns, despite the absence of feedback.

Major Roles of Open-Loop Organizations

Open-loop organizations determine which muscles contract when, the intensity and duration of contraction, how to integrate multiple degrees of freedom from muscles and joints into one unit.
The major role also determines posture to support upcoming actions such as in the bicep pull experiment (to modulate reflex pathways, and ensure the movement goal is achieved).

Closed-Loop Control Systems: General Concept Example

The desired state (e.g., 20°C) is compared with the sensory measurements.
If a difference is detected, the executive determines the corrections and sends instructions to the effector (e.g., furnace) to eliminate the error to arrive at the desired state.
Sensory information is fed back to the executive system, and the cycle continues if further corrections are needed.

Closed-Loop Control in Human Performance

Visual feedback plays a role in corrective actions in movements like reaching for a cup.
Differences between intended and actual movement states are used for corrections and feedback.
Most movements utilize several feedback sources.

Closed-Loop Control in Human Performance: Illustration

Feedback is a source for error detection in movements.
Movement programming and proprioceptive and exteroceptive feedback contribute to movement refinements.

Closed-Loop Control: Feedforward

Anticipated feedback facilitates improved motor performance.
Sensory consequences expected during performance are incorporated into anticipatory responses which reduces the need for immediate error detection and correction in continuous movements.

Closed-Loop Control: Feedforward Example:

Self-tickling is difficult because the anticipated sensory feedback would match the actual sensory feedback, reducing perception of the sensation.
Force escalation between siblings illustrates an example of anticipatory response and feedback, which contributes to sensory response perception during the movement outcome.

Limitations of Closed-Loop Control Models

Feedback processing is slow.
There are limits to the number of corrections per second a closed-loop system can make.
Rapid and discrete tasks (like typing or playing guitar) are not easy to perform using closed-loop control.

Motor Program Theory: Closed-Loop and Open-Loop Control

Motor tasks are neither completely open-loop or closed-loop, but utilize a combination of both concepts.
Slow movements are mostly controlled by feedback, while brief/fast movements are more open-loop programmed.

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Test your knowledge on the intricacies of motor control and planning. This quiz covers essential topics such as plyometric training, motor unit recruitment, the roles of various brain structures, and more. Perfect for students in exercise science or related fields.

Motor Control and Planning Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of plyometric training?

Static stretching increases the stiffness of the muscle-tendon complex.

What are the two main systems that contribute to the initial intention and planning of a movement?

Rate coding involves increasing the ________ rate to summate force.

Match the components with their respective functions:

Which motor unit recruitment strategy is predominantly used for high force production?

What role does the reactive brain play in motor control?

What role does the basal ganglia play in motor planning?

The motor cortex initiates motor plans without any input from the thalamus.

What is the primary function of the cerebellum in motor planning?

The ______________ cortex is responsible for direct cognitive control and executive decision-making.

Match the brain structures to their functions in motor planning:

Which area receives both recent and long-ago sensory information for movement planning?

The brainstem is directly involved in higher-level cognitive decision making.

What process predicts outcomes and accounts for variability in movements?

Motor plans are initiated in the ___________________, which is part of the cerebral cortex.

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between the basal ganglia and motor planning?

What is a characteristic of Central Pattern Generators?

Once a movement is initiated, it cannot be stopped regardless of the motor program released.

Name the two types of system control in movement.

The brainstem and spinal cord are areas associated with _______ for controlling movement patterns.

Match the following types of control with their characteristics:

What is indicated by slower reaction times in complex responses?

Startled reactions result in a delayed response compared to regular reactions.

What are deafferentation experiments used to study?

Deafferented monkeys experience some difficulty with ______ control.

Which of the following is NOT a type of evidence for motor programs?

In reaction time studies, simple RT measures the processing time for complex movements.

What is the primary takeaway from Henry and Rogers’ experiment regarding movement complexity?

The time difference between a regular beep and a loud horn in reaction time studies is approximately ______ ms.

Match the following reactions/methods with their descriptions:

Muscle activity can occur even when movements are blocked, indicating pre-planned actions.

What defines and shapes movements and is created and stored within the CNS?

Open-loop control actions change in response to feedback about their success.

In motor control, what are the two ways in which movements can be controlled?

An example of open-loop control is a __________ traffic light that operates on a preset cycle.

Match the following examples with their description of control methods:

Which of the following is NOT an example of motor programming in open-loop systems?

In a closed-loop system, a new movement requires a new motor program for every change.

What must happen in the brain before a rapid movement in open-loop control?

In a baseball swing, the motor program includes planning the speed, trajectory, and __________ of the swing.

Which scenario best represents an open-loop system?

Which characteristic is associated with the cognitive stage of learning?

What is a key feature of the associative stage of motor skill development?

Which component of creativity in motor learning involves executing movements effectively?

In the context of knowledge structure and information processing, what ability is critical for anticipating future actions?

Which type of coordination refers to the efficient recruitment of motor units within a muscle?

What is a common characteristic of novice movers in coordination?

What exemplifies low attention demand in the autonomous stage of learning?

Which of the following aspects is NOT a component of creativity in motor learning?

Which statement best describes energy efficiency in expert performers?

In motor learning, which phase is characterized by the learner's adaptation to novel situations?

What is a characteristic of expert athletes in relation to mechanical degrees of freedom?

How do visual search patterns contribute to an athlete's performance?

Which of the following best distinguishes the approach of novice and expert boxers?

What role does interpersonal coordination play in sports?

What is a common misconception about learning styles in sports training?

In which stage of learning does a basketball player focus on refining their shooting form?

What cognitive change occurs in skilled athletes as they progress in their training?

Which example best illustrates the cognitive stage of learning in swimming?

What aspect is prioritized by an expert diver when performing a controlled somersault?

What strategy does a baseball batter use to enhance performance during a pitch?

What role do Central Pattern Generators primarily serve in motor control?

Which situation best illustrates the concept of a point of no return in movement control?

In the context of muscle activity during blocked movements, what observation was made?

What is a primary characteristic of open-loop control systems?

What is a common function performed by major roles of open-loop organizations in movement control?

What effect does plyometric training have on tissue stiffness?

Which motor unit recruitment strategy is associated with smaller muscle fibers?

In terms of controlling force output, what is the predominant strategy for high force production?

Which brain region is primarily involved in motivation and emotional control during movement?

Which aspect of motor control does the closed-loop system primarily rely on?

What role do the 'thinking brain' and 'reacting brain' play in motor planning?

What is the consequence of increased muscle-tendon stiffness due to training?

What is a defining characteristic of open-loop control in motor programs?

Which phase in executing a movement program occurs first?