Motor
Control and
Learning
RYAN DEAN T. SUCGANG, MSHMS, PTRP
INTRODUCTION
oMotor skills are tasks that require voluntary control over movements of the joints and body segments to
achieve a goal (e.g., riding a bicycle, walking, surfing, jumping, running, and weightlifting).
• The learning and performance of these skills are what movement scientists refer to as motor learning and control, or
skill acquisition.
• The study of motor learning and control plays an integral role in both the performance and rehabilitation of these skills.
oRoller et al (2012): the production and control of human movement is a process that varies from a
simple reflex loop to a complex network of neural patterns that communicate throughout the Central Nervous
System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
oNew motor patterns are learned through movement, interactions with rich sensory environments, and
challenging experiences that challenge a person to solve problems they encounter.
oThe knowledge about motor control and motor learning shapes our understanding of how individuals progress
from novice to skilled motor performance throughout their lifespan.
Neil Armstrong
MOTOR CONTROL
oMotor Control is defined as the process of initiating, directing, and grading purposeful
voluntary movement.
oIt is also defined as the ability to regulate mechanisms essential to movement.
MOTOR CONTROL
The process of motor control functions:
1.The task that needs to be completed is identified→ body gathers sensory information from
the environment→ perceives the information→ chooses a movement plan appropriate plan
to meet the goal of the task,
2.Plan is coordinated within the CNS → executed through motor neurons in the brain
stem and spinal cord → outcome communicated to the muscles in postural and limb
synergies, and in the head and neck→ motor units timed to fire in a specific manner.
3.Sensory feedback supplied to the CNS by the movement → decision taken to (1) modify the
plan during execution, (2) acknowledge the goal of the task to be achieved, and (3) store the
information for future performance of the same task-goal combination.
FACILITATION OF MOTOR CONTROL
AND LEARNING: Overview
1.Sensory Input:
1.
The process begins with sensory receptors detecting information from the environment (e.g., visual, proprioceptive, vestibular inputs).
2.Sensory Processing:
1.
The sensory information is transmitted to the central nervous system (CNS), where it undergoes processing and interpretation.
3.Motor Planning:
1.
Based on the sensory input, the brain engages in motor planning. This involves deciding on the desired movement, coordinating muscles, and
organizing the sequence of actions.
4.Motor Execution:
1.
The motor plan is translated into motor commands, which are sent to the muscles via the motor neurons.
5.Feedback Mechanisms:
1.
During and after movement execution, the nervous system receives feedback from the periphery (e.g., proprioceptors, visual feedback). This
information is crucial for making real-time adjustments to the movement.
6.Error Detection and Correction:
1.
The CNS continuously monitors for errors or discrepancies between the intended and actual outcomes. If discrepancies are detected, corrective
signals are sent to adjust the ongoing movement.
FACILITATION OF MOTOR CONTROL
AND LEARNING:
Neural Structures Involved
1.Cerebral Cortex:
1.
Responsible for higher-order motor planning and decision-making. Different regions of the cortex control different aspects of movement.
2.Basal Ganglia:
1.
Plays a role in motor planning, initiation, and the smooth execution of movements. Also involved in skill learning and habit formation.
3.Cerebellum:
1.
Critical for motor coordination, precision, and the learning of motor skills. It receives sensory information and compares it with the intended
movement, contributing to error correction.
4.Brainstem:
1.
Houses nuclei responsible for basic motor functions, posture, and reflexes. It plays a role in integrating sensory and motor signals.
5.Spinal Cord:
1.
Acts as a relay between the brain and peripheral nerves. Contains neural circuits responsible for reflexes and basic motor patterns.
6.Peripheral Nerves and Muscles:
1.
Transmit signals between the CNS and muscles. Motor neurons innervate muscles, leading to muscle contraction and movement.
FACILITATION OF MOTOR CONTROL
AND LEARNING:
Plasticity and Learning
1.Synaptic Plasticity:
1. Changes in the strength of synaptic connections occur through processes like long-term
potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), facilitating learning.
2.Adaptation of Neural Circuits:
1. Neural circuits adjust their activity patterns in response to learning, refining the coordination of
movements over time.
3.Motor Memory:
1. Repetitive practice strengthens neural pathways associated with specific motor skills, forming
motor memory.
MOTOR CONTROL
o Inter-limb coordination is a crucial element of motor control, established by synchronizing
the spatial and temporal aspects of limb motions.
oInter-limb coordination involves the interplay of segmental kinematics, joint dynamics, and
muscle activity.
o It pertains to movements that necessitate the synchronized and rhythmic utilization of both sides of
the body, whether in a sequential, simultaneous, or rhythmic manner.
o It can be categorized as either bimanual coordination (e.g. throwing a large ball, eating with a fork
and knife) or hand-foot coordination (e.g. driving a car).
THEORIES OF MOTOR CONTROL
oMotor Control Theories include the production of reflexive, automatic, adaptive, and
voluntary movements and the performance of efficient, coordinated, goal-directed movement
patterns that involve multiple body systems (input, output, and central processing) and
multiple levels within the nervous system.
o Many textbooks and researchers recommend the adoption of a systems model of Motor Control
incorporating neurophysiology, biomechanics, and motor learning principles (learning solutions
based on the interaction between the patient, the task, and the environment).
o It is imperative to be aware of the effect of this relationship between the task and environment when
planning our interventions so as to enable our patients to achieve their goals.
MOTOR LEARNING
oThe process of acquiring a skill by which the learner, through practice and assimilation, refines
and makes automatic the desired movement.
oAn internal neurologic process that results in the ability to produce a new motor task.
oA set of internal processes associated with practice or experience leading to relatively permanent
changes in the capability for skilled behavior.
THEORIES OF MOTOR
LEARNING
o Motor learning is a complex process occurring in the brain in response to practice or experience
of a certain skill resulting in changes in the central nervous system.
o It allows for the production of a new motor skill.
o It often involves improving the smoothness and accuracy of movements and is necessary for developing
controlled movements and calibrating simple movements like reflexes.
oMotor learning research considers variables that contribute to motor program formation (i.e.,
underlying skilled motor behavior), the sensitivity of error-detection processes, and the strength of
movement schemas. Motor learning requires practice, feedback, and knowledge of results.
OPEN-LOOP SYSTEM
1.Definition:
1. In an open-loop system, the control of movement is predetermined and not adjusted based on feedback during the
execution of the movement.
2. The system operates without continuous feedback to correct errors or deviations from the desired outcome.
2.Characteristics:
1. No real-time information about the performance or outcome is used to adjust the ongoing movement.
2. The control signal is generated based on a predefined plan or set of instructions.
3. It is less adaptable to changes in the environment or unexpected perturbations.
3.Example:
1. Striking a golf ball using a pre-determined swing without adjusting based on the ball's trajectory or environmental
conditions.
4.Advantages and Disadvantages:
1. Advantage: Simple and quick for well-defined tasks.
2. Disadvantages: Prone to errors in unpredictable or changing environments.
CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM
1.Definition:
1. In a closed-loop system, there is a continuous exchange of information between the system and the environment.
2. Feedback from the environment is used to adjust ongoing movements in real time, improving accuracy and
adaptability.
2.Characteristics:
1. Constant monitoring of performance with adjustments made based on feedback.
2. More adaptable to changes in the environment or unexpected disturbances.
3.Example:
1. Driving a car involves continuous monitoring of the road and making adjustments to the steering based on feedback
from the visual input.
4.Advantages and Disadvantages:
1. Advantages: More adaptable and precise in dynamic and changing environments.
2. Disadvantages: May be slower in certain situations due to the processing time required for feedback.
THE SYSTEMS vis-a-vis
MC and ML
1.Motor Control:
1. Open-loop control is often used for well-learned, routine tasks where the movement is relatively predictable.
2. Closed-loop control is crucial for tasks requiring adaptation to changing conditions, precision, and real-time
adjustments.
2.Motor Learning:
1. Beginners often rely more on closed-loop control as they learn and refine motor skills, gradually transitioning to more
open-loop control as skills become automated.
2. Skilled performers may seamlessly integrate both open-loop and closed-loop processes, optimizing movement control
based on task demands.
oThe choice between open-loop and closed-loop control depends on the nature of the task, the level of
expertise of the performer, and the environmental conditions.
oSkilled motor performance often involves a dynamic interplay between open-loop and closed-loop control
processes.
DEGREES OF FREEDOM
1.Definition:
1. Degrees of freedom (DOF) refers to the number of independent elements or parameters that can be
varied in a system. In the context of movement, this can include the number of joints, muscles, or
segments involved.
2.The Problem:
1. The human body has a large number of degrees of freedom, meaning there are many ways joints and
muscles can move to achieve a particular task.
2. The challenge is how the nervous system organizes and coordinates these degrees of freedom to
produce effective and purposeful movement.
3.Redundancy:
1. The human body is often redundant in terms of the number of muscles and joints available to perform a
particular movement.
2. Bernstein argued that this redundancy provides flexibility and adaptability in movement control but also
presents a challenge in terms of selecting the most efficient movement solution.
DEGREES OF FREEDOM
1.Synergies:
1. Bernstein proposed the concept of motor synergies, suggesting that the nervous system organizes and controls
groups of muscles or joints as functional units.
2. These synergies reduce the number of independent elements to be controlled, simplifying the coordination of
movement.
2.Freeing and Fixing:
1. Bernstein introduced the ideas of "freeing" and "fixing" degrees of freedom. "Freeing" involves allowing some elements
to vary, while "fixing" involves constraining or coordinating others.
2. Skilled movement involves finding an optimal balance between freeing and fixing degrees of freedom to achieve the
task effectively.
3.Learning and Adaptation:
1. Bernstein emphasized the role of practice and learning in refining the coordination of degrees of freedom.
2. Through practice, the nervous system learns to optimize the organization of movement, making it more efficient and
adaptable.
DEGREES OF FREEDOM
Application:
1.Skill Acquisition:
1. Beginners may initially struggle with an overabundance of degrees of freedom, leading to
uncoordinated movements.
2. With practice, individuals learn to selectively coordinate and control the necessary degrees of
freedom for a given task.
2.Relevance in Sports and Rehabilitation:
1. Understanding Bernstein's theory has implications for sports training, rehabilitation, and
designing assistive devices.
2. Coaches and therapists can focus on enhancing the organization of movement by helping
individuals find optimal synergies and refining motor control.
DEGREES OF FREEDOM
Bernstein's theory of degrees of freedom addresses the challenge of how the nervous system
organizes and controls the numerous elements involved in movement.
The concept of motor synergies and the balance between freeing and fixing degrees of
freedom are key components of his influential theory in the field of motor control.
FACTORS AFFECTING
MOTOR LEARNING
o Verbal instructions
o Practice
o Active participation and motivation
o Possibility of errors
o Postural control
o Memory
o Feedback
MOTOR CONTROL AND LEARNING
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlvh8mxxsr4 = Lecture 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOthWZhdXVE = Lecture 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8xeLsfigGs = Lecture 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OvZpBdyPFo = Lecture 4