Kin 280 Motor Learning Study Notes

1. Definitions and Key Concepts

3. Neural Basis for Motor Learning

Memory Processes in Motor Learning

  1. Memory: The capacity for learning through consolidating, processing, and encoding specific information.
       - Three Steps:
         1. Identify task and classes of actions (Declarative Long-Term Memory - LTM).
         2. Retrieve GMP (Procedural LTM).
         3. Modify Movement-Specific Parameters (MSP) with schemata.

  2. Working Memory:
       - Functionality: Supports the execution of specific motor skills.
       - Involves immediate context and prepares for action.
       - Interfaces with perception, executive control, and long-term memory.
       - Duration: 20-30 seconds.
       - Capacity: 6-8 items.
       - Heavily utilized in decision-making, critical thinking, and movement production.

  3. Long-Term Memory (LTM):
       - Declarative LTM:
         - Relates motor skills to facts, experiences, rules, or strategies.
         - Guides motor schemata and GMP usage, aligning with goals.
       - Procedural LTM:
         - Stores GMPs, MSPs, and schemata.
         - Reinforced with practice and repetition.
         - Subject to interference by task overlap while consolidating.
       - Forgetting: Occurs when LTM alters over time; tasks with explicit associations reduce forgetting.

4. Brain Regions Involved in Motor Learning

  • Hippocampus: Declarative LTM; facilitates cognitive to associative learning transition.

  • Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): Engages in working memory; aids the cognitive to associative learning process.

  • Posterior Parietal Cortex (PPC): Functions in working memory, transitions from associative to autonomous learning.

  • Cerebellum: Key player in procedural LTM and adaptation of MSPs.

  • Basal Ganglia: Important for procedural LTM and sequence learning (GMPs).

  • Premotor Area (PMA): Contributes to procedural LTM and cognitive phase learning.

  • Supplementary Motor Area (SMA): Involved in procedural LTM and supports transitions from associative to autonomous learning.

  • Primary Motor Area (M1): Confers procedural LTM and checks alignment with LTM constructs.

  • Primary Sensory Area (S1): Supports procedural LTM and the learning of sequences and adaptation.

5. Factors Affecting Motor Learning

Instruction
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