HLTH2013 Motor Control, Development and Learning — Lecture 5: Motor Control Theories

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on motor control theories, including GMP, schema, open/closed-loop control, dynamical systems, constraints, attractors, and perception-action coupling.

Generalized Motor Program (GMP)

A memory-based motor control concept that defines a class of similar movements and allows variation via parameters; stored in memory.

Schema theory

Rules for modifying GMP parameters through practice and experience to adapt to different task demands.

Invariant features

Aspects of a GMP that remain constant across variations: sequence, relative time, and relative force.

Parameters (GMP)

Modifiable aspects of GMP: overall duration, force, direction, and which limbs are used.

Degrees of Freedom (df)

Number of independent variables (joints, muscles, segments) to control in a movement.

Bernstein

's degrees of freedom problem

Idea that learners initially fix (freeze) df and gradually release them as skill improves.

Open-loop control

Movement executed with pre-programmed commands, with little to no feedback during execution.

Closed-loop control

Movement that uses feedback during execution to detect and correct errors.

Perception-action coupling

Link between environmental information and the action taken; perception guides action.

Constraint-led approach

Learning shaped by interacting constraints from the organism, task, and environment.

Constraints (Newell)

Boundaries shaping movement: organismic (internal), environmental, and task constraints.

Organismic constraints

Internal characteristics of the performer that influence movement (e.g., strength, motivation, perception).

Environmental constraints

External factors like gravity, temperature, wind, surface, light that influence movement.

Task constraints

Rules and goals of the task and the equipment used that influence movement.

Attractors

Preferred, stable movement patterns toward which the system tends; can shift with changing constraints.

Control parameters

Variables (e.g., direction, speed, perceptual information) that move the system to a new attractor state.

Dynamical Systems Theory

Movement emerges from the interaction of person, task, and environment; no single central motor program.

Self-organization

Pattern formation that arises from constraint interactions rather than a top-down plan.

Coordination

Patterning of body/limb motions that are smooth and match the environment; marker of skill.

Serial order

Movement elements are produced in a reliable, specific sequence.

Movement variability (Uniqueness)

Movements are not identical; variability exists but performance remains effective.

Motor equivalence

Ability to achieve the same outcome with different movements or effectors.

Modifiability

Movement can be altered during performance to suit environmental demands.

Perceptual information

Critical invariant environmental information used to plan and adjust movement.

Pinder et al. (2009) example

Study showing timing differences in cricket strokes when facing a bowler versus a bowling machine due to perception-action coupling.

Combination of open- and closed-loop control

Motor behavior uses both open- and closed-loop processes; context determines emphasis.

Practice implications

Early learning is typically closed-loop; with practice, movements shift toward more open-loop control.