Theories Flashcards
Reflex theory description
Complex behavior is the result of combined actions of individual reflexes chained together
Reflex theory limitations
Spontaneous, involuntary movements are types of behavior, but we flex must be activated by an outside agent
Does not explain movement that occurs in the absence of a sensory stimulus
Does not explain fast movements, which could occur too rapidly to allow for sensory feedback
Fails to explain how a single stimulus can result in bearing responses, depending on context and commands
Does not explain the ability to produce novel movements
Reflex theory, clinical implications
If chains or compounded reflexes are the basis for functional movement, clinical strategies designed to test reflexes should allow physical therapist to predict function
A patient movement behavior would be interpreted in the presence or absence of controlling reflexes and retraining
motor control for functional tasks would focus on enhancing, reducing the effect of various reflexes during motor tasks.
Hierarchical theory
Organizational control that is top down each successfully higher level exert control on level below
Normal motor development with attributed to increasing cortical activation of the CNS, resulting in the emergence of higher levels of control over lower level reflexes
Neural maturational theory of development
Current concepts recognize the fact that each level of the NS connect on the other levels, higher and lower, depending on the task
Reflexes are not considered the sole determinants of motor control, but only has one of the many processes important to movement
Hierarchical theory limitations
It cannot explain the dominance of reflex behavior in certain situations
Be cautious about assumptions that all low level behaviors are primitive amateur, or non-adaptive, While higher levels, or cortical behaviors, are mature, adaptive appropriate
Minimizes the importance of other factors, such as musculoskeletal changes during development
Hierarchical theory clinical implications
Concept of abnormalities of reflex organization has been used to explain disordered motor control in patients with neurological disorders
Therapists who embrace this theory work on mastery of lower level behaviors prior to progressing to higher level behaviors
Motor programming theory
Separates the motor response from stimulus. We are left with the concept of central motor pattern.
More flexible concept
can be activated by sensory stimuli or by Central processes
By changing the intensity of stimulation to the spinal cord, the animal could be made to move
It was shown that reflects is do not drive action, but that central pattern generators or CPG’s, which are spinally mediated motor programs by themselves can generate such complex movements
Experiments showed the importance of modularity effects of incoming sensory input
Motor program may be used to identify a CPG or specific neural circuit like that for generating walking in the cat , represents neural connections that are stereotypes and hardwired
Motor program can also use D describe higher level motor programs that represent abstract terms
Motor programming theories, limitation
Central motor program cannot be the sole determinant of action
- Two identical commands to the elbow flexor will produce different movements, depending on gravity, and the way your arm is resting
If your muscles are putting similar nervous system commands will yield different results
It does not take into account, the nervous system must deal with musculoskeletal and environmental variables in achieving movement control
Motor programming theories, clinical implications
In patients who’s higher level of motor programming or affected the motor program theory suggest the
importance of helping patients relearn the correct rules for action intervention should focus on retraining movements important to a functional tasks not just reeducating, specific muscles in isolation
Dynamic systems theory
Body is like that as part of a mechanical system, with many degrees of freedom
Synergies help coordinate movement and are flexible and adaptive
Behavior is nonlinear and does not follow a hierarchical or top down pattern
Optimal functioning occurs with variability of movements
Takes into account, not only the contributions of the NS but also the muscles and skeletal systems, as well as the forces of gravity and inertia
A predicts actual behavior much better than previous theories
Reminds us of the nervous system in isolation does not necessarily predict movement
Dynamic systems, theory, limitations
The perception that the nervous system has a less important role in determining behavior
Gives mathematical formulas and principles of body mechanics, a more dominant role in describing motor control
Dynamic systems theory, clinical implications
Suggest a examination and intervention must focus not only on impairments with individual systems contributing to motor control, but also the effect of interacting impairments among multiple systems
If we understand more about the physical or dynamic properties of the human body, we can make use of these properties in helping patients regain motor control
Variability as a characteristic feature of normal movement has important, clinical applications for retraining, movement in patients with neuron pathology
When variability is viewed as a critical element in normal function, therapist will encourage patient to export variability in flexible movement patterns that will lead to success in achieving performance
Ecological theory
Suggest that motor control evolved, so the animals can cope with the environment around them
Movements require perceptual information that is specific to a desired goal directed action performed within a specific environment
Perception
Focuses on detecting information in the environment that will support the actions necessary to achieve a goal
Important to determine how an organization detects information in the environment that is relevant to action what form this information takes and how this information is used to modify and control movement
Ecological theory, limitations
Tends to give less emphasis to the organization and function of the NS and more towards the organism environmental interface
Ecological theory, clinical implications
Helping a patient explore the possibilities of achieving a goal of a function task in multiple ways, given the restraints of different environments
Features of the environment impact the selection and execution of goal directed movements
Effective motor control requires the patient to learn to proceed the critical aspect of an environment impact how movement is organized
Important aspects of rehabilitation process is controlling and manipulative environment so that patients can learn to proceed critical features and adapt movements accordingly
