Concepts of Practice and Theories of Motor Control

Second half of the final exam that is both multi choice and essay questions.

Examples of Mass Practice

Examples of Distributed Practice

Is Distributed or Massed Practice better? Why

Distributed practice is better because it gives the brain time to process and consolidate information, effectively enhancing long-term memory.

What length of rest has been shown to enhance learning?

A 24-hour break with sleep

What are theories or explanations for why distributed practice enhances learning?

What is task progressions?

having learning experience a sequence of tasks that move from easy-to-heard or simple-to-complex

What is transfer of learning?

when practicing/learning one skill enhances the subsequent learning of another skill

What is Part-to-whole practice?

A technique in which the learner divides a motor task into part, practice the parts of the task, and put the parts together to perform the whole action.

Explain the difference between Fractionation and Segmentation?

Fractionation divides a skill simultaneously into parts that are normally performed at the same time also known as body part practice while segmentation divides a skill temporarily or sequentially parts emphasizing a step by step process (i.e. 1st part, 2nd part, 3rd…).

Example of Fractionation

Playing the piano or drums, using a video game controller, and freestyle stroke swimming.

Example of Segmentation

Dance, gymnastics, or Martial arts routine

What is forward chaining and backward chaining?

Forward chaining is a method in which the learner starts by practicing the first part of the skill and follow in a sequence order until the last segment. Backward chaining is a method where the learner starts with the last part of the skill, adding previous parts and continues to he beginning.

Example of forward chaining

Basketball layup:

1. Practice the footwork

2. Then add the jump

3. Add the shot

Example of backwards chaining

Putting on a Shirt in an Occupational Therapy setting:

1. Practice inserting one arm into the sleeve.

2. Then insert the second arm.

3. Practice pulling the shirt over the head.

4. Lastly, adjust and pull down the shirt.

What is Simplification practice?

Practicing a skill in a series of increasingly difficult tasks which involves manipulation of implements, the environment, and/or the number of decisions required.

What types of variables can be changed to modify task difficulty?

Equipment, Speed required, Auditory cues, Predicability of environment/task (closed or open), Distance/space, Accuracy required (goal of task), Movements allowed or required, Other people involved, and decision making required

How can relearning to walk be used as a therapy application in the concept of simplification?

Relearning to walk often starts with basic exercises, such as standing and balancing, before advancing to walking with support, and ultimately progressing to independent walking. This gradual approach helps patients regain confidence and build strength in a controlled manner.

How can this be used as a therapy application in the concept of simplification?

Feeding spoon which can be start with velcro to aid grip, then transition to different textured utensils, allowing patients to master basic skills before using standard cutlery.

How does riding a bike relate to the concept of Simplification?

By allowing learners to start with training wheels then practice on flat, open areas without training wheels before progressing to more challenging terrains or off-road biking, ensuring skill mastery at each level with the primary goal of being able to ride a bike.

RESEARCH ARTICLES

Who created Schema Theory?

Richard Smith (1975)

What is a motor program?

mental “blueprint” or set of instructions your brain sends to your muscles to perform a movement.

Example of Motor Program

When you write your name, you don’t think about every tiny finger move — you just "run" the motor program for writing your name.

What is a generalized motor program?

A flexible motor program that specifies/produces a general action. (ie: walking)

invariant features

The motor program produces the same general action.

class of actions

All movements controlled by the same motor program (use the same general movement; ie: climbing steps, running, exercise bike, eliptical trainer, walking various speeds/surfaces).

parameters

The parts of the movement you can change to adapt to the situation. (ie: length of step, speed, amount of force used, etc)

schema

An understanding of the relationship between a parameter adjustment and the outcome of an action.

Explain the performance of a motor skill from the Schema Theory perspective.

When you perform a motor skill, your brain selects a generalized motor program and you use your recall schema to choose parameters. Once you perform the movement, your brain compares the outcome with expectations using your (recognition) schema. You update your schema based on the results (the more you practice with varied situations, the better your schema gets.

According to the Dynamic Systems Theory, how does motion occur?

Action/motion occurs in response to the complex system between the person, task, and environment.

What is the Dynamic Systems Theory?

Theory that suggests movement emerges from the interaction of multiple systems that work together.

What are constraints?

a number of factors influencing an action

What are the 3 different kinds of constraints?

• Organismic (person)

• Environmental

• Task

Examples of organismic constraint

structural (weight, height, size, strength, flexibility, injury, disease, aging, development) and functional (past experiences, training, motivation, fear, confidence)

Examples of environmental constraint

lightness/darkness, wind, temperature, characteristics of the surface

Examples of task constraint

goal of the task, rules or dictating movement patterns, implements/equipment involved

Explain how we perform a motor skill from Dynamic Systems Theory perspective.

The body self-organizes a movement strategy based on these organismic, environmental, and task constraints — not by following a rigid motor program, but by adapting dynamically.