Motor Control and Motor Learning Review

OCT 5127 Motor Control and Motor Learning: Study Notes

I. Course Introduction and Foundational Concepts

  • Key recall points include:

    • Developmental theorists like the one who organized human motivations into a hierarchy of 55 stages: physiological, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization (referring to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs).

    • Stages from Piaget's theory.

  • Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

  • Core Terms: Key terms related to Motor Control, Motor Learning, Learning Activity, and References will be explored.

II. Motor Control

  • Overview: This section provides an overview of Motor Control, focusing on the nature of movement and functional capacity.

Motor Control Theories: Several foundational theories guide the understanding of motor control. These include:

  • Reflex Theory: Proposes that movements are controlled by a series of reflexes chained together. Complex movements are the result of combined simple reflexes.

  • Hierarchical Theory: Suggests that the central nervous system (CNS) is organized hierarchically, with higher centers exerting control over lower centers. Movement is controlled by a top-down approach.

  • Motor Programming Theories: Focus on the concept of a motor program, which is a set of pre-structured commands that, when executed, result in a coordinated movement. These programs can be activated by sensory input or central processes.

  • Systems Theory: Views movement as a result of the interaction between multiple systems, including the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and environmental factors. Emphasizes the self-organizing nature of movement.

  • Ecological Theory: Focuses on the interaction between the individual and the environment. Movement emerges from the desire to achieve a goal in a specific environment, with perception of the environment being crucial for action.

  • Task-Oriented Approach: Emphasizes that motor control is organized around accomplishing a behavioral goal (task) in a specific environment. Therapy focuses on practicing functional tasks to regain motor control.

III. Classification of Movement Tasks

  • Deepened Understanding: This unit aims to deepen the understanding of how movement tasks are classified.

  • Examples and Reflection: Learners will be exposed to examples of different categories of movement tasks and are encouraged to reflect on how this understanding will be applied in occupational therapy practice.

  • Clinical Relevance for Occupational Therapy:

    • Many clients struggle with tasks they wish to perform, negatively impacting their occupational performance.

    • By understanding the classification of movement tasks and their attributes, occupational therapists can more successfully grade activities.