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 (B)

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.

<p>firing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the components with their respective functions:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Rate coding (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the reactive brain play in motor control?

<p>It contributes to memory, emotional control, and motivation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the basal ganglia play in motor planning?

<p>It helps in cognitive control and decision making (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To refine movement and prediction of outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>association</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the brain structures to their functions in motor planning:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Association Cortex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process predicts outcomes and accounts for variability in movements?

<p>The cerebellum's processing of sensory information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>motor cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Basal ganglia assist with planning, but do not initiate actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Central Pattern Generators?

<p>They control genetically defined movement patterns. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the two types of system control in movement.

<p>Open-Loop Control and Closed-Loop Control</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Central Pattern Generators</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of control with their characteristics:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by slower reaction times in complex responses?

<p>More planning time is needed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are deafferentation experiments used to study?

<p>Movement control without sensory feedback</p> Signup and view all the answers

Deafferented monkeys experience some difficulty with ______ control.

<p>fine finger</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Reaction facility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>More complex movements take longer to plan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>100</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following reactions/methods with their descriptions:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Motor program (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Open-loop and closed-loop</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>traffic light</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following examples with their description of control methods:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Adjusting the speed of a running sequence based on environmental changes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Instructions are compiled and sent to the muscles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>timing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best represents an open-loop system?

<p>Following a preset route by a car's navigation system without changes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with the cognitive stage of learning?

<p>Dominated by cognitive factors like problem-solving (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Detection and correction of errors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Efficacy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Recognizing opponent patterns (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Intramuscular Coordination (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of novice movers in coordination?

<p>They move all segments of their body as a single unit. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Ability to adapt movements to changing conditions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Strict adherence to standard techniques (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes energy efficiency in expert performers?

<p>They minimize unnecessary movements for smoother execution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Autonomous Phase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They release mechanical degrees of freedom for precise control. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They help athletes seek visual cues more efficiently. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Expert boxers emphasize defensive movements while novices focus on landing punches. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does interpersonal coordination play in sports?

<p>It adapts athletes' movements according to opponents' actions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A mix of teaching methods often yields better results than relying on one learning style. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Associative stage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They achieve goals differently due to increased knowledge and skill. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Mastering breathing techniques for the first time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Releasing mechanical degrees of freedom for precision. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Tracking the pitcher’s hand motion and ball release point. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They govern genetically defined movement patterns. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Stopping an initiated swing action in baseball. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Both agonist and antagonist muscles show similar activation patterns. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They execute predetermined instructions without feedback. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To manage postural adjustments necessary for actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does plyometric training have on tissue stiffness?

<p>Increases tissue stiffness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Type I (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Rate coding (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Limbic system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Feedback adjustments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The thinking brain is involved in planning while the reacting brain influences initial intentions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Enhanced elastic energy storage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Movements are pre-structured and independent of environmental changes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase in executing a movement program occurs first?

<p>Input Identification (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A new motor program for each new movement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Rapid and discrete movements that require pre-planning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Inability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the motor program function during a baseball swing?

<p>It encompasses the entire swing's speed, trajectory, and timing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It does not allow for adjustments once initiated. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It operates on a pre-set cycle regardless of accidents. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It stores and generates movement commands as motor programs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Inhibitory control of actions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They increase the time needed for planning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Preserved ability to perform simple tasks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Speed enhancement due to automatic processing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Complex movements result in slower reaction times (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It generates rhythmic patterns of motor activity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Muscle activity occurs even without full movement execution (B)</p> 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?

<p>Immediate motor program activation occurs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Movements can be performed without sensory input (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Executing a novel and complex task (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Modifying motor plans initiated by other brain regions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Thalamus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Weather conditions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Motor plans are refined and initiated by the motor cortex based on multiple inputs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Primarily from sensory inputs or higher brain activations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of information does the cerebellum primarily process?

<p>Sensory information related to motor activity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Cerebral Cortex (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It integrates sensory inputs and motor signals for movement planning. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Higher cognitive functions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Stretch-shortening cycle

A movement pattern involving an eccentric phase followed by an immediate concentric phase, where the tissue stores elastic energy during the eccentric phase and releases it during the concentric phase, enhancing power output.

Plyometric training

A type of high-intensity training that utilizes the stretch-shortening cycle to enhance power, speed, and explosiveness.

Rate coding

A mechanism for controlling force output by increasing the firing rate of motor neurons, leading to summation of force.

Motor unit recruitment

The process of activating different motor units (groups of muscle fibers) to generate different levels of force. Order of recruitment: Type I > Type IIa > Type IIx.

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Open-loop control

A type of motor control where the movement is pre-programmed without feedback from the environment. The movement is executed without adjustments along the way.

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Closed-loop control

A type of motor control that uses feedback from the environment to adjust and refine movements during execution. It allows for corrections and adjustments in real-time.

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Motor program

A pre-programmed set of instructions stored in the nervous system that governs a specific movement pattern. It provides a blueprint for movement execution.

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Motor Programs in Open-Loop Control

In open-loop control, motor programs are pre-programmed instructions sent to muscles for rapid movements without relying on feedback.

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Motor Program Creation

The central nervous system compiles instructions for a movement, creating a motor program before execution.

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Motor Program Execution

The motor program is sent to muscles, which execute the movement without relying on feedback.

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Rapid/Discrete Movements

Quick, well-defined movements that are often controlled by open-loop systems.

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Open-Loop System Limitations

In entirely open-loop systems, each new movement or change requires a new motor program.

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Baseball Swing Example

A baseball swing is an example of an open-loop system. The entire swing is planned and executed quickly, without feedback.

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Error Correction in Open-Loop System

Open-loop systems lack error correction mechanisms. If a movement is inaccurate, it cannot be adjusted mid-motion.

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Fight or Flight Response Paths

The body's response to stressful situations has two main pathways: directly to the brainstem for immediate action or through the basal ganglia for refined and more controlled responses.

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Basal Ganglia

A group of brain structures responsible for planning and executing smooth, coordinated movements, modifies motor plans from the cortex before sending them to the brainstem.

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Brainstem

The control center for basic life functions like breathing, heart rate, and muscle tone. Receives direct pathways from the fight or flight response.

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Motor Planning in the Cerebral Cortex

The cerebral cortex is responsible for generating and initiating movement plans based on cognitive intentions, including goals, memory, and emotional state.

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Association Cortex

A part of the cerebral cortex that integrates sensory information, forms memories, and makes decisions. Helps the motor cortex create movement plans.

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Cerebellum's Role in Motor Planning

The cerebellum is the brain's precision engineer. It fine-tunes movement, predicts outcomes, and corrects for errors based on sensory feedback.

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Thalamus in Movement

The thalamus acts as a relay station, transmitting information between the cerebral cortex and the brainstem. It also plays a role in relaying sensory information.

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Motor Cortex Refinement

The motor cortex receives movement plans from the association cortex and refines them, sending them to the brainstem for execution via the pyramidal and extrapyramidal tracts.

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Motor Program Initialization

A pre-programmed set of muscle commands that can be initiated quickly without conscious thought. These programs can be triggered by sensory input or purely from the brain.

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How can we plan movements?

We can plan and create actions ahead of time, even without using feedback from the environment.

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Simple Reaction Time (RT)

Measures how quickly we react to a single stimulus. Simpler tasks have faster reaction times.

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Reaction Time and Complex Responses

More complex movements require a longer Reaction Time because the brain needs more time to plan the movement.

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Startled Reactions

Unexpected stimuli can make our reactions much faster because we are already primed for action. The same motor program is used, just with faster execution.

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Deafferentation

Severing afferent nerve bundles that carry sensory information to the brain. Despite this, movements are still possible, showing that sensory input isn't always necessary for movement control.

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Deafferented Monkeys: Still Capable

Monkeys with severed afferent nerve bundles can still climb, play, groom, feed, and balance, indicating that feedback is not always essential for movement.

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Central Pattern Generator (CPG)

A neural circuit in the spinal cord that produces rhythmic motor patterns for repetitive actions, even without control from the brain.

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Inhibiting Actions

We can stop or change a planned movement before it's executed, demonstrating that our brain has control over our actions.

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Muscle Activity in Blocked Movements

Even if a planned movement is blocked or prevented, muscle activity still occurs, supporting the idea that movement is pre-programmed.

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Motor Programs - Planning Ahead

A set of instructions stored in the brain that determines how a specific movement will be performed. This program can be used to execute the movement quickly and efficiently, even without sensory feedback.

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Point of No Return

The point in time during a movement preparation where it becomes impossible to stop the intended action, even if the decision to stop is made.

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Inhibition in Motor Control

The process by which the nervous system stops or suppresses unwanted or unintended movements.

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Expert Control

Skilled performers can effortlessly control their movements, seamlessly transitioning between different phases. This occurs because they've developed precise coordination and timing, minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure.

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Visual Search Patterns

Experienced athletes use effective eye movements to locate vital cues in their surroundings. They focus on specific information that helps them anticipate and react quickly.

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Goal Achievement Evolution

As skill develops, goal achievement changes. Beginners focus on basic actions, while experts prioritize strategies and efficiency.

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Myths of Learning Styles

Everyone benefits from diverse teaching methods. Focusing solely on your preferred learning style (visual, auditory) isn't optimal.

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Interpersonal Coordination

Effective athletes adapt their movements in response to opponents' actions, making their movements unpredictable.

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Cognitive Stage

The initial learning phase where the focus is on understanding basic concepts and movements. Errors are common, and feedback is crucial for improvement.

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Associative Stage

Building upon the cognitive stage, this phase refines skills and automaticity. Movements become smoother, and consistency increases.

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Autonomous Stage

The peak of skill development where movements are highly coordinated and controlled. Actions are performed with minimal thought, allowing for strategic decisions.

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Skill Development in Swimming

Starts with learning proper breathing technique, then improves stroke efficiency, eventually leading to effortless racing.

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Boxing: Beginner vs. Expert

Novices focus on landing punches, while experts prioritize defense to conserve energy and outlast opponents.

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Cognitive Stage of Learning

The initial stage of learning where the learner focuses on understanding the task. This phase is characterized by high errors and variability, as the learner struggles with the new skill. Cognitive factors like problem-solving dominate this stage, and task knowledge increases faster than motor performance.

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Associative Stage of Learning

The intermediate stage of learning where the learner refines their understanding of the task through practice. This phase is characterized by fewer and smaller errors, as the learner begins to master the skill. The learner learns to detect and correct their own mistakes, leading to greater consistency in performance.

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Autonomous Stage of Learning

The advanced stage of learning where the learner can perform the skill automatically and adapt to new situations. This phase is characterized by low attention demand during execution, as the skill becomes almost effortless. The learner can adjust their performance based on changing circumstances.

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Creativity in Motor Learning

The ability to generate unique and effective movement solutions through exploration. This involves creating novel actions, performing variations, and consistently executing effective movements.

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Knowledge Structure and Information Processing

The ability to process information quickly, make better decisions, and anticipate future actions by recognizing relevant cues. This includes detecting patterns, relating information to relevant concepts, and anticipating future events.

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Intermuscular Coordination

The smooth, coordinated cooperation between different muscle groups to produce a desired movement. This ensures that muscles work in harmony to achieve optimal efficiency and accuracy.

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Intramuscular Coordination

The efficient recruitment of motor units within a single muscle to control force output. This ensures that the correct number of muscle fibers are activated to achieve the desired intensity and timing of movement.

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Energy Efficiency in Movement

The ability to execute movements with minimal energy expenditure. Experts minimize unnecessary movements, optimize muscle activation, and improve movement mechanics for smoother and more efficient performance.

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Improving Coordination for Novices

Beginners tend to move all body segments as a single unit, resulting in stiff, jerky movements. They need to learn to coordinate different body parts independently to create smooth and efficient movements.

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Coordination and Movement Efficiency in Sports

Developing good coordination and efficient movement is crucial for athletic performance. It allows athletes to execute skills with greater power, accuracy, and speed while maintaining balance, stability, and endurance.

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What are the two pathways for the fight-or-flight response?

The fight-or-flight response can activate either directly through the brainstem for quick action or indirectly through the basal ganglia for more refined and controlled responses.

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What is the role of the basal ganglia in movement?

The basal ganglia acts like a movement editor, refining motor plans received from the cortex before sending them on to the brainstem for execution.

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What's the role of the cerebral cortex in motor planning?

The cerebral cortex is like the movement architect, generating and initiating movement plans based on goals, memory, and emotional state.

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What is the function of the cerebellum in movement?

The cerebellum acts as a movement fine-tuner, predicting outcomes, correcting errors, and learning from experience.

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How does sensory information influence movement?

Sensory information can trigger movements or modify planned movements, reflecting the constant interplay between our actions and the environment.

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What are motor programs?

Motor programs are pre-programmed sets of instructions stored in the brain that dictate how a specific movement should be performed.

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How do motor programs relate to open-loop control?

In open-loop control, movements are pre-programmed and executed without feedback from the environment. Motor programs provide the instructions.

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What is the point of no return in movement?

The point of no return is the moment during movement preparation when it becomes impossible to stop the intended action.

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What is the role of inhibition in movement?

Inhibition is the process of preventing or suppressing unwanted movements, allowing for more precise and controlled actions.

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How We Can Plan Movements

We can think about and plan movements in advance without needing to see or feel them happening. The brain decides what to do before the action even begins.

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Reacting Brain

The part of the brain, primarily the limbic system, responsible for initiating emotional motor responses based on sensations or internal thoughts.

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Thinking Brain

The part of the brain, primarily the cerebral cortex, responsible for planning and initiating movements based on goals, memory, and cognitive intentions.

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Limbic System Role

The limbic system is involved in emotional responses, memory, motivation, and basic instincts, often triggering quick, reactive movements.

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Cerebral Cortex Role

The cerebral cortex is responsible for planning and executing movements based on goals, intentions, and past experiences.

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Sensory Input and Motor Programs

Sensory feedback is not always required for movement execution, as motor programs can be pre-programmed and triggered without sensory input.

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Reaction Time and Complexity

Simple tasks have faster reaction times. Complex movements require more time for planning, leading to slower reaction times.

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Startled Reactions: Faster Response

Unexpected stimuli like a loud noise can trigger rapid reactions due to an already primed motor program.

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Deafferentation: Sensory Input Not Essential

Severing sensory nerves doesn't always affect motor control, suggesting movements can be planned and executed without feedback.

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Motor Programs: Pre-Planned Movements

A set of instructions stored in the brain that directs a specific movement, allowing for efficient and rapid execution.

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Inhibiting Actions: Stopping Movements

Our brains can control movements by stopping or changing them before execution, proving our conscious control.

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Blocked Movements: Muscle Activity

Even if a movement is blocked, muscle activity still occurs, providing evidence that movements are pre-programmed.

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Expertise and Motor Control

Skilled performers develop precise coordination and timing, leading to effortless and smooth movements with minimized energy expenditure.

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Visual Search Patterns in Expertise

Experienced athletes use efficient eye movements to locate key information, allowing for rapid anticipation and reaction during performance.

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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.

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