INTRODUCTION
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS
Motor Learning and Control – From Theory to
Practice
William H. Edwards
Motor Learning and Control – Concepts and
Applications,
Richard Magill and David Anderson
Topics
Introduction to motor learning and control
Motor skills – Background, components, classification, taxonomy
Neurologic basis of movement
Theories of motor control –
Cognitive based theories Information processing system: Open and closed loop, Closed - loop
theory, schema theory,
Dynamic system theory: Traditional and modern
Learning – Assessing learning (ART), learning and performance
Learning and memory – Memory system, stages, Factors influencing memory
Stages of learning – Fitts and Posner Model, dynamical system perspective, Individual differences
Motivation and learning – Factors influencing motivation, Promotional strategies,
Attention and learning – Theories, styles of attention
Feedback and instructions on learning – Instructions and demonstrations
Designing a complete practice session
COURSE INSTRUCTIONS
OBSERVE
ANALYSE
READ
APPLY
CONTENTS
Movement and Motor Skill
Motor Control
Motor Learning
Fields of Application
Purpose of Study
CORE QUESTIONS
How humans ‘acquire’ movement skills?
How movement skills are ‘controlled’?
MOTOR SKILL
An activity or task that has a specific purpose or goal
to achieve.
Goal specific
Voluntary (excludes reflexes)
Requires Movement
Needs to be learned or relearned
MOVEMENT
Specific patterns of motion among joints and body
segments.
Movements are component parts of motor
skills/action goals.
Action goals can be accomplished by different ways
(many-to-one relationship)
MOTOR LEARNING
How humans ‘acquire’ movement skills?
Study of ‘processes’ involved in acquiring motor
skills and the ‘variables’ that promote or inhibit such
acquisition.
EXERCISE
Identify a motor skill,
Process to acquire it
Possible factors affecting (inhibit and promote)
FACTORS INFLUENCING
MOTOR SKILLS
The learner
The skill to be learned
The conditions under which the skill is learned
FACTORS INFLUENCING
MOTOR SKILLS
Practice
Instruction
Experience
MOTOR CONTROL
How movement skills are ‘controlled’?
Study of neural, behavioral, environmental and
synergistic mechanisms responsible for human
movement and stability.
Stability – control of movements and control of
posture
MOTOR CONTROL AND
LEARNING
Symbiotic blending of factors underlying the acquisition and
production of motor skills
FIELDS OF APPLICATION
Athletic Coach
Athletic Trainer
Dance Instructor
Ergonomic Designer
Fitness Consultant
Movement Scientists
Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapist
Sports Psychologists
PURPOSE OF STUDY
Professional Application
Intrinsic Interest
Ethical Considerations
EXERCISE
oSelect a motor skill in which you are interested and possess at
least a moderate degree of proficiency.
oThink about factors influencing the learning, coordination and
control of the skill.
oPrepare a list of ten questions, specific to the skill you
selected, concerning how the skill is learned, controlled and
coordination achieved.
