Video: Motor Learning and Theories — Key Vocabulary

A vocabulary-focused set of flashcards covering the major concepts, theories, and terms from the video notes on motor learning and motor control.

Degrees of Freedom (DoF) Problem

The number of independent elements in a system that must be controlled or linked to produce coordinated movements; designers constrain DoF to achieve a specific result.

Open-loop control system

A control system where movement instructions contain all necessary information to execute the movement, with little or no reliance on feedback during execution.

Closed-loop control system

A control system where initial movement instructions initiate action and ongoing feedback guides or corrects the movement.

Information Processing Theory

The view that the brain processes information like a computer to control movement.

Generalised Motor Programme (GMP)

A higher-level motor program that controls a set of actions sharing common invariant features.

Invariant features (GMP)

Features that remain constant across performances of a task, such as the sequence of actions, relative timing, and relative force.

Parameters (GMP)

Features that can change between performances, such as which muscles are used, the overall duration, and the overall force.

Reflex theory

An early motor control theory by Sherrington proposing movement is composed of reflexes triggered by sensory input.

Limitation of Reflex theory

Too simple to explain voluntary, planned, or sensory-independent movements.

Hierarchical theory

A motor control theory proposed by Jackson and others that the brain exerts top-down control with higher areas directing lower ones.

Limitation of Hierarchical theory

Too rigid to account for the flexible and adaptable nature of real-world movement.

Central Pattern Generators (CPGs)

Neural circuits in the spinal cord and brainstem that generate rhythmic, patterned output (e.g., walking, breathing) without continuous sensory input or higher brain control.

Open-loop control system (redefined)

Instructions contain all necessary information to execute movement; feedback may not be needed.

Closed-loop control system (redefined)

Initial movement instructions; ongoing execution depends on feedback to continue or correct.

Movement complexity and preparation time

As movement complexity increases, the time needed to prepare an action increases (e.g., faster with no distractions, slower with distractions).

Locomotion

Walking and running; common subjects of motor control study.

Gait pattern

The pattern of movement for walking or running, including how relative timing changes with speed.

Relative time in gait

The proportion of the gait cycle spent in each phase remains similar across speeds within a given gait pattern.

Relative time difference between walk and run

The proportional timing profile differs between walking and running, indicating different gait patterns.

Flexibility (theory considerations)

The ability of the motor-control system to adapt movements to different tasks and environments.

Uniqueness (theory considerations)

Each motor skill has distinctive features or requirements.

Consistency (theory considerations)

Reproducibility of movement performance across trials.

Modifiability (theory considerations)

The capacity to adjust or modify motor patterns in response to constraints or feedback.

The Practitioner

A clinician who aims to enhance motor learning by understanding how movement is controlled.

Theories of Motor Control

Theories must explain how the nervous system generates movement across diverse skills and contexts, considering flexibility, uniqueness, consistency, and modifiability.

Problems in design of complex systems

The design problem involves constraining many DoF to produce a specific result.

Theories: accurate description and definite predictions

A good theory describes a large class of observations and makes definite predictions about future observations.