Motor Control and Learning Theories

Question 1

List the 5 Motor Control Theories

Answer 1

1. Reflex Theory
2. Hierarchical Theory
3. Systems Theory
4. Task-oriented Approach
5. Motor Programming Theory

Question 2

What is reflex theory?

Answer 2

it states that motor movements are controlled by stimulus-response (reflex). sensory input can be used to control motor output.
However, movements can be spontaneous and voluntary, even without sensory stimuli.

Question 3

What is hierarchical theory?

Answer 3

movements are controlled by cortical centres in a top-down manner. When the lesion is in the higher centres (e.g. brain), normal reflexers might be exaggerated.
However, this theory does not explain the dominance of reflex behavior in certain situations.

Question 4

What is the motor programme theory?

Answer 4

it states that motor program can be activated by sensory stimuli or central processes. Higher level motor programs store rules for generating movements.
However, it does not consider the environmental variables to achieve motor control.

Question 5

What is the systems theory?

Answer 5

the movement systems work together with the external and internal forces acting on the body (considering the contributions of impairments in the MSK system, neural system to overall loss in motor control).
However, it does not focus as heavily on the interaction of the person with the environment.

Question 6

What is the task-oriented approach?

Answer 6

It states that normal movement emergences as an interaction with many different systems. Focus on learning variety of ways to solve task, modify environmental context.

Question 7

How do you assess motor learning (whether someone truly learned a skill)?

Answer 7

• testing of the skills on another day (delay)
• transfer test (application)

(testing during/immediately after training only assess motor performance not true learning.

Question 8

List the types of memory.

Answer 8

Declarative (facts and events)

Non-declarative (nonassociative, associative, procedural).

Question 9

which part of the brain is associated with declarative memory?

Answer 9

medial temporal lobe, hippocampus, sensory association cortex.

Question 10

What are the 3 stages of learning?

Answer 10

• early cognitive stage
• motor (associative) stage
• autonomous stage

Question 11

What are some of the variables that can influence motor learning?

Answer 11

• scheduling (block or random)
• constant or variable practice (changing parameters like speed, distance, time, object type)
• errorless or trial-and-error

Question 12

State an example of a covert practice.

Answer 12

mental practice, mirror therapy, observational learning