Week 1 - MC & ML Introduction

Question 1

What is Motor Control?

Answer 1

The study of underlying mechanisms (Neuroanatomy & Physiology) that contributes to movement coordination, posture and control

Helps explain how upright posture and movement is achieved

Question 2

What is Motor Learning?

Answer 2

Study of how we (optimally) learn perceptual, cognitive and movement skills across our lifespan

Question 3

What is a motor skill?

Answer 3

Voluntary head/body/limb movement with a specific purpose or goal

Involves the temporal organisation to achieve a certain goal

Question 4

What is the criteria for a skilled movement?

Answer 4

• Maximum certainty of goal achievement (accuracy with low error)
• Consistancy (reliability)
• Controlled modifiability - adaptation and uniqueness –> good performers can adjust or modify movements for the given scenario
• Minimal Energy expenditure

Question 5

Difference between Performance & Skilled Movement?

Answer 5

Performance
An observable behaviour of movement. a single attempt or trial on a given skill. DOES NOT equate to a skilled performance –> may be a 1 off event that was accurate

Skilled Movement
Reflects a relatively accurate, consistent & Stable capability to move in a skill task
Assessed over repeated trials
TLDR –> has high accruacy consistency in repetative bouts

Question 6

Absolute VS Constant VS Variable Error

Answer 6

Absolute
Average error from target or goal

Constant
Average error from target or goal INCLUDING positive or negative direction

Variable
Assess the spread (dispersion) or consistency of error based on the repeated attempts
e.g. SD or Coefficient of Variation

Question 7

What is the constraints led framework? (Newell 1986)

Answer 7

Is a framework that described how coordinated movements emerge/arise from neuro-muscular self organisation given the existence or presence of task, individual and environmental constraints

“Constraint” is a factor that eliminates, reduces or influences options for particular ways of movement and thus shapes the emergent behaviour or procedual control

Question 7

What are the 3 components of the Constraints Led Framework?
Explain each component

Answer 7

Individual
Include factors such as body size (height, weight, and limb lengths), fitness (e.g., strength, speed, aerobic capacity, and flexibility), mental skills (e.g. concentration, confidence, emotional control or motivation), perceptual and decision-making skills

Environmental
- Instructional knowledge/experience & interaction capability
- Social conditions (social support, social attitudes, norms, culture)
- Environmental conditions (presence of objects/others, surfaces, ambient temperature etc.

Task
Task goal, time/speed demands, (co-)independence, implement/control components, task/game biomechanical & physiological demands
e.g.s bats, rackets, and clubs in golf, pitch sizes and player numbers

Question 8

What is the Perception Action Coupling?

Answer 8

The process where sensory input directly informs and guides physical actions, enabling athletes to quickly adapt movements in response to changing situations. Essential for real-time decision-making and coordination in sports