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Motor skills are tasks that require voluntary control over movements of the joints and body segments to achieve a goal eg riding a bicycle, walking, surfing, jumping, running, and weightlifting. The learning and performance of these skills are what movement scientists refer to as motor learning and control, or skill acquisition. The the study of motor learning and control plays an integral role in both the performance and rehabilitation of these skills. eg in stroke or total knee arthroplasty rehabilitation.[1] According to Roller et al (2012) the production and control of human movement
New motor patterns are learned through movement, interactions with rich sensory environments, and challenging experiences that challenge a person to solve problems they encounter. The knowledge about motor control and motor learning shape our understanding of how individuals progress from novice to skilled motor performance throughout the lifespan. This page provides an overview about Motor Control and Motor Learning. Motor Control[edit | edit source]Definition[edit | edit source]Motor Control is defined as the process of initiating, directing, and grading purposeful voluntary movement[3]. Shumway-Cook has defined motor control as the ability to regulate mechanisms essential to movement[4]. How does it work?[edit | edit source]The Motor Control functions in the following way:
Theories of Motor Control [edit | edit source]The organization and production of movement is a complex problem, so the study of motor control has been approached from a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, cognitive science, biomechanics and neuroscience. The control of human movement has been described in many different ways with many different models of Motor Control put forward throughout the 19th & 20th Centuries. There is still a considerable lack of knowledge which details exactly what is acquired during skill acquisition and which practices are best in order to develop these skills[1]. Motor Control Theories include the production of reflexive, automatic, adaptive, and voluntary movements and the performance of efficient, coordinated, goal-directed movement patterns which involve multiple body systems (input, output, and central processing) and multiple levels within the nervous system. Many textbooks and researchers recommend adoption of a systems model of Motor Control incorporating neurophysiology, biomechanics and motor learning principles (learning solutions based on the interaction between the patient, the task and the environment). It is imperative to be aware of the effect this relationship between the task and environment when planning our interventions so as to enable our patients to achieve their goals.[5] [2] Motor Control Theories are[4]:
Systems Involved in Motor Control[4]
Motor Learning[edit | edit source]Definition[edit | edit source]
Theories of Motor Learning [edit | edit source]Motor learning is a complex process occurring in the brain in response to practice or experience of a certain skill resulting in changes in the central nervous system. It allows for the production of a new motor skill. It often involves improving the smoothness and accuracy of movements and is necessary for developing controlled movement and calibrating simple movements like reflexes. Motor learning research considers variables that contribute to motor program formation (i.e., underlying skilled motor behaviour), the sensitivity of error-detection processes, and strength of movement schemas. Motor learning requires practice, feedback and knowledge of results[5] [2]. The Motor learning theories are:
Stages of Motor Learning[edit | edit source]According to Fitts and Posner Model[7]:
According to Bernstein's Model: underlines degrees of freedom (the number of independent movements needed to complete an action, as a central component of learning a new motor skill). It has 3 stages. They are[8]:
According to Gentile's Model: There are 2 stages in this Model. They are[9]:
Factors affecting Motor Learning[10]:
Clinical Significance of motor control and learning[edit | edit source]Motor control and learning help therapists to understand the process behind movements, motor tasks and skills. By acknowledging the theories of motor learning and control and integrating them into day- to-day practice, therapists will have a better chance of:
It is important that therapists identify the appropriate motor learning strategy and motor control theory to get optimal and effective results[2][4]. Presentations [edit | edit source]Podcasts[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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