Chapter 10

Motor Control and Motor Learning

Introduction

This chapter provides an overview of the field of motor control and motor learning. The author begins by defining the area and giving an historical account of progress in the field of motor learning. Next, various theoretical approaches are discussed, including open-loop and closed-loop control. Areas of current research interest are pointed out with an eye on the future of motor learning and motor control. The chapter concludes by listing professional associations and journals that may be useful to students.

Chapter Objectives

After studying this chapter, students will be able to do the following:

Define and differentiate between motor learning and motor control.
Outline the history of the field of motor learning.
Describe how the concept of “animal spirits” was gradually replaced by the idea that certain tissues can generate or conduct electricity.
Be familiar with the various theoretical approaches in motor learning and motor control.
Define and explain the difference between open- and closed-loop control.
Explain what professionals in motor control and motor learning do.
Discuss the possible career options available to students interested in the field of motor learning and motor control.
Be familiar with professional associations and journals in the field of motor learning and motor control.

Study Questions

Define motor learning and motor control and explain how the two are different.
Describe the types of questions investigators in motor learning and motor control are interested in answering.
Name the three phases of the learning process and describe the types of questions an instructor must consider during each phase.
Outline the history of motor learning and motor control from the 1700s to the present.
Explain why it was not until the 1920s that researchers in motor learning and motor control started focusing on basic research instead of the acquisition of specific skills.
State and explain the law of effect.
Briefly describe the effect World War II had on the field of motor learning and motor control.
Define and explain the differences between open- and closed-loop control.
Describe how movement is controlled. Include all pertinent brain structures, nerve pathways, and sensory structures.
Describe the monosynaptic stretch reflex. Include the role of the muscle spindle, Ia afferent fiber, and alpha motor neuron.
Describe the four main questions on which researchers in motor learning and motor control are presently focusing.
Discuss the pros and cons of the various practice methods: blocked, random, constant, variable.
Describe the two main career options open to individuals interested in motor control and motor learning.
List five journals that publish research in motor learning and motor control.

Student Activities

As individuals or small groups, have students investigate and then share with the class the pros and cons of the various practice methods mentioned in this chapter, such as blocked, random, constant, and variable.
The author mentions two main career options open to individuals interested in motor control and motor learning. Have students write a brief report outlining the academic preparation and other requirements necessary for an individual to succeed in these careers.

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Quizzes

Suggested Readings
Christina, R. W. (1989). Whatever happened to applied research in motor learning? In J. S. Skinner, C. B. Corbin, D. M., Landers, P. E., Martin, & C. L. Wells (Eds.), Future directions in exercise and sport science research, pp. 411–422. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Christina, R. W. (1997). Concerns and issues in studying and assessing motor learning. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 1, 19–38.
Coker, C. A. (2009). Motor learning and control for practitioners (2nd ed.) Scottsdale, AZ: Holcomb Hathaway.
Rose, D. J. (1997). A multilevel approach to the study of motor control and learning. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Schmidt, R. A. and Wrisberg, C. A. (1991). Motor learning and performance: A situation based learning approach (4th ed.) Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.