Week1_MCL_Sem+1_2025

EXSS3062 – Week 1: Motor Control & Learning (MCL)

Lecture Presented by:

Prof. Stephen Cobley & Dr. Shaun Abbott

Slide 1: Introduction to Motor Control & Learning

• Motor control and motor learning are crucial in understanding how humans develop, refine, and optimize movement skills.

• Video reference: Humans can develop amazing skills (YouTube)

• Acknowledgment of Country: Respecting the Traditional Custodians of the land.

Slide 4: Key Unit Resources

Textbooks & Readings

• Magill & Anderson (2020) – Motor Learning & Control: Concepts & Applications

• Davids et al. (2008) – Dynamics of Skill Acquisition: A Constraints-Led Approach

• Hodges & Williams (2020) – Skill Acquisition in Sport: Research, Theory & Practice

• Additional readings: Available via Canvas Reading List

What These Books Cover:

• Principles of motor learning and how skills are acquired.

• The neuromuscular and biomechanical basis of movement control.

• How practice, feedback, and constraints affect skill acquisition in sport and rehabilitation.

Slides 5-7: Unit Learning Outcomes

The unit is structured to help you understand and apply principles of motor control and learning in performance, rehabilitation, and daily life.

Key Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding the Sensory-Motor System

• Structure & function of sensory receptors in movement control.

• How the central nervous system (CNS) coordinates movement.

• The role of efferent (motor) pathways in voluntary movement.

2. Theoretical Models of Motor Control & Learning

• Understanding how movements are planned and executed.

• Evaluating different models of motor learning (e.g., open-loop vs closed-loop control).

3. Skill Acquisition Strategies

• The role of practice types (blocked vs random, distributed vs massed).

• The importance of feedback (intrinsic vs extrinsic).

• The role of observation, modeling, and error correction.

4. Applying Motor Learning to Performance & Rehabilitation

• Designing training programs that optimize motor skill learning.

• Understanding how constraints (task, environment, individual) impact skill development.

Slide 11: Assessment Overview

• Weekly Quizzes (Weeks 1-5)

• 3 quizzes on Motor Control

• 3 quizzes on Motor Learning

• Two attempts per quiz (highest score counts)

• Weighted at 5% of final grade

Slide 12: Lecture Learning Objectives

• Differentiate motor control from motor learning.

• Identify the criteria for skilled performance.

• Understand how to measure skill performance and learning.

Slide 15: Key Definitions

Motor Skill

• A voluntary movement that achieves a specific goal.

• Examples: Walking, throwing, typing, playing an instrument.

Skill Contains Both:

1. Control: The ability to regulate movement precisely.

2. Coordination: The ability to organize muscles and joints efficiently.

Temporal Organization of Movement

• Skilled movement is time-dependent and involves:

• Neural timing (when a muscle activates).

• Muscle recruitment (which muscles activate & in what order).

• Relaxation & stiffness regulation (to optimize energy use).

Slide 16: Criteria for Skilled Movement (Guthrie, 1952)

To be considered skilled, movement must meet four criteria:

1. Maximum Certainty of Goal Achievement

• High accuracy and low error rate in performing the skill.

• Example: A basketball free throw shooter who consistently scores.

2. High Consistency

• The ability to repeat the skill reliably over time.

• Example: A golfer hitting the ball the same way every time.

3. Controlled Modifiability

• The ability to adapt movement patterns to different conditions.

• Example: Adjusting running stride when running uphill vs. downhill.

4. Minimal Energy Expenditure

• Efficiency in movement execution (using only the necessary energy).

• Example: An elite marathon runner using smooth and economical movement patterns.

Slide 18: Performance vs. Skilled Movement

Performance = A Single Attempt

• Performance is observable but does not necessarily indicate skill.

• Example: A beginner may get lucky and hit a good golf shot, but they are not skilled.

Skilled Movement = Consistency + Adaptability

• Stable performance across multiple attempts.

• Retains skill over time, even with changing conditions.

Skill Learning = Long-Term Change

• Requires practice and feedback.

• Regression occurs if practice stops.

Slide 19: Measuring Motor Skill Performance

Types of Outcome Measures

1. Magnitude Measures

• Example: Distance thrown, weight lifted.

2. Accuracy Measures

• Example: Target shooting, basketball free throw success rate.

3. Time-Based Measures

• Example: Sprinting times, reaction speed in sports.

4. Success Rate

• Example: % of successful attempts.

Slide 21: Kinematic Measures (Describe Movement)

• Kinematics = Describing motion without forces

• Key variables:

1. Displacement – Changes in spatial position.

2. Joint Angles – Configuration at different movement phases.

3. Velocity – Rate of position change.

4. Acceleration – Rate of velocity change.

Slide 22: Kinetic Measures (Explain Movement Causes)

• Kinetics = Forces that cause motion

• Key variables:

1. Force Production – Measured using force plates.

2. Electromyography (EMG) – Measures muscle activation.

3. Torque – Rotational force around a joint.

Slide 23: Energetic Measures

• Examines energy use and efficiency in movement.

• Key variables:

• VO₂ Max: Maximum oxygen uptake.

• Lactate Threshold: Fatigue onset point.

• Mechanical Efficiency: Work output vs energy cost.

Slide 25: Assessing Motor Performance

1. Identify outcome measures – E.g., accuracy, distance, time.

2. Identify movement causes – Kinematic/kinetic factors.

3. Record multiple trials – Skill is assessed over time.

Summary: Key Takeaways

1. Motor control = How movements are regulated by the CNS.

2. Motor learning = How movements improve with practice.

3. Skilled performance = Accuracy, consistency, adaptability, and efficiency.

4. Outcome measures = Assess performance (accuracy, time, magnitude).

5. Kinematic measures = Describe motion (joint angles, velocity).

6. Kinetic measures = Explain motion (forces, torque, EMG).

7. Energy efficiency matters = Lower energy cost → Better performance.

How to Use These Notes for Studying

• Understand the key concepts before memorizing details.

• Use real-world examples to apply definitions.

• Practice analyzing skills (e.g., why does a pro athlete move differently than a beginner?).

• Relate concepts to sports and rehabilitation settings.