Unit 1: Motor Learning Theories

Question 1

Motor Learning

Answer 1

study of procesess involved in acquiring and refining motor skills and of variables that promote or inhibit that acquisition

Question 2

Motor Control

Answer 2

Focuses on the neural, physical and behavioral aspects that underly human movement

study of the nature of movement and how it is controlled

abt REGULATING and DIRECTING mechanisms for movement

Question 3

Reflex theory

Answer 3

tells us that REFLEXES are what drive movement

based on sharingtons model

Question 4

hierarchial or neuromaturationist theory

Answer 4

we are predetermined by our genes; they are rigidly sequenced and do not change.

CNS eventually matures and NATURE is the driving force

Question 5

Ecological Theory

Answer 5

pt is an active explorer of the environment and the environment holds a prescriptive roll;

… so the child has to understand the task at hand BEFORE movement can occur

Question 6

Dynamic systems theory

Answer 6

non linear circular pattern where the individual constraints, environment constraints, and task constraints have the ability to change each other

baby in incubator isnt able to be prone (so in development they have to head crtl so its an individual constraint)

Question 7

Neuronal Group Selection Theory

Answer 7

3 tenents:

neuronal groups are selected primary repertoiore

pruning of extraneous neural groups that arent used = secondaary repertoire

cyclical process: neurons that fire together wire together; fluid give and take btw systems

Question 8

atypical development (NGST)

Answer 8

• no variability of mvmt (like w/ cerebral palsy)
• there is reduced primary repertoire so impared selection therefore the secondary repertoire is reduced and condition specific selection takes place

Question 9

Perception Action Theory

Answer 9

based on experiencial learning and spontaneous learning toward a goal (for moving reaching tasks)

• someones says theyre baking brownies and you can visually see and remember a time when you made brownies

Question 10

Motor Learning requires 3 types of cognition… what are they?

Answer 10

cognitive- what to do
associative - how to do it
autonomous - do it

Question 11

Discrete vs serial vs continuous

Answer 11

discrete: defined beginning and end (quad set)

serial: series of discrete tasks (sit to stand/eating with a fork)

continuous: no beginning or end (walking/cycling/swimming)

Question 12

The Center of Mass is..

Answer 12

a point at the center of the total body mass for which the body can be balanced in a uniform gravitational field

Question 13

One key concept in neuro-motor development is…

Answer 13

sensory information assists in producing a controlled, efficient motor response