Motor Control and Motor Learning

Introduction to Motor Control and Motor Learning

  • This unit provides an overview of foundational theories and frames of reference critical for activity analysis in occupational therapy.

Importance of Prior Knowledge

  • Emphasizes the need to recall prior concepts from human development theory as prerequisites for the program.

  • Activity: Match responses to foundational statements related to motivation and development.

    • Developmental theorist organizing human motivation into a hierarchy of 5 stages: physiological, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization.

    • One stage from Piaget's theory.

    • Understanding typical development.

Lesson 2: Terms

  • Reference to Motor Control Terms.pdf (92 KB).

Lesson 3: Overview of Motor Control

  • The lesson includes a video overview of motor control.

Lesson 4: Theories of Motor Control and Learning

Motor Control Theories Overview

  • Theories discussed include:

    • Reflex Theory

    • Hierarchical Theory

    • Motor Programming Theories

    • Systems Theory

    • Ecological Theory

    • Task-Oriented Approach

  • The purpose is to deepen understanding of how these theories apply to movement and rehabilitation.

Reflex Theory & Hierarchical Theory

  • Discusses the role of reflexes in movement control.

  • Emphasizes the hierarchical organization of motor control processes.

Motor Programming Theories & Systems Theory

  • Focuses on how motor actions are planned and executed through established motor programs.

  • Systems theory considers the interaction between the individual, tasks, and the environment.

Ecological Theory & Task-Oriented Approach

  • Highlights the importance of the environment in shaping movement and learning.

  • Task-oriented approaches focus on the goals of movements in specific contexts.

Classification of Movement Tasks

  • Classification of movement tasks is crucial for understanding client difficulties in occupational performance.

  • Understanding task classification aids in grading activities to meet client needs.

  • Media-rich presentation provided for deeper insight into task classification.

Knowledge Check

  • Reference to the quiz related to classification and taxonomy of movement (21.9 KB).

Lesson 5: Introduction to Motor Learning

  • Overview and introduction to motor learning:

    • Implicit and explicit memory discussed in context to motor learning.

    • Importance of understanding the principles of motor learning to apply in practice.

  • Consideration of how motor learning theories relate to earlier theories of motor control.

  • Reflection on occupational therapy interventions and observations of these theories in practice.

Principles of Motor Learning

  • Overview of principles and their application in practice, including:

    • Implicit memory: Skills learned without conscious awareness.

    • Explicit memory: Skills learned through conscious thought and repetition.

Lesson 6: Learning Activity

  • Activity reinforcing knowledge recall and understanding:

    • Types of practice include:

    • Massed Practice: Supports repeating the same task in the same environment.

    • Distributed Practice: Promotes generalization and retention of skills across different environments.

    • Segmental Practice: Focuses on practicing individual steps of a task.

References

  • Gillen, G., & Brown, C. (Eds.). (2024). Willard & Spackman’s Occupational Therapy (14th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Conclusion

  • The unit culminates with a PDF of the presentation summarizing key concepts and references for further reading.