Lec 8 - Motor Program Pt.1 Flashcards
What is a motor program?
A set of pre-planned motor commands that are stored in the central nervous system (CNS) and can be executed with minimal feedback.
What type of movements are motor program especially useful for?
Fast, ballistic movements that occur too quickly for real-time feedback adjustments.
What is an open loop control system?
A system that operates without feedback; instructions for movement are set before the action begins.
How are control signals sent in an open loop system?
Control signals are sent from the CNS to muscles without modification once the movement is initiated.
What type of movements are ideal for open loop control?
Rapid, discrete movements where feedback might slow down execution, such as in a golf swing or typing on a keyboard.
How does open loop control differ from closed loop control?
Open loop is best for fast, pre-planned tasks with little room for mid-movement correction, while closed loop relies on continuous feedback for adjustments in slower or more complex tasks requiring precision.
What do reaction time (RT) studies reveal about motor programs?
Increased complexity (more limbs involved, sequence length) leads to longer reaction times, suggesting that a motor program for a movement is prepared before initiation.
What are deafferentation experiments?
Studies with animals (and some humans) who have lost sensory feedback from parts of their bodies.
What do deafferentation experiments reveal about motor programs?
Even without feedback, animals can still perform certain learned motor skills, indicating that some movements rely on stored motor programs rather than continuous feedback.
What do EGM (Electromyography) studies show about motor programs?
EMG patterns show similar muscle activation sequences even when a movement is unexpectedly blocked or altered, supporting the idea that motor commands are pre-planned and follow a set program regardless of whether the movement is completed.
What is the “Point of No Return” concept in motor programs?
In high-speed movements, there’s a point beyond which the motor command cannot be altered. Once initiated, it carries through to completion.
How do motor programs affect skill acquisition?
Motor programs become more refined with practice, leading to faster execution and reduced need for conscious control.
How are motor programs applied in sports and rehabilitation?
Understanding motor programs aids in designing training regimens and rehabilitation protocols, allowing for more effective skill acquisition and movement re-education.
