Types of Motor Control

Acquiring Movement Skills

Learning ObjectivesDescribe open loop and closed loop controlExplain the role of open loop and closed loop

control in performing motor skillsEvaluate critically different types of feedback

Open and Closed Loop Control

We have looked at open loop already:What are the key points?But you need to know about closed loop control

too:

Closed loop control (level two)Closed loop involves feedback Level two operates through a short feedback

loop which passes through the muscle spindles

This is termed the ‘perceptual trace’

The plan EMP stored in the LTM

The action of the working muscles

Memory Trace

Feedback via Muscles (Level Two)

Closed loop (level two)

The feedback loop is shortInternal feedback is gained through

kinaesthesis and proprioception during the performance of the skill

This allows fast, sub-conscious corrections to be made

Adjustments are then stored in the long term memory for future reference

E.G. A skier will constantly adjust position to retain balance

See Pg 174 for definitions

Closed Loop Control (level three)

The feedback loop is longer because information performance is relayed to the brain (not just from the muscles)

The brain controls and modifies movement by passing corrective messages back to the muscles

The loop involves conscious thought and attention to external feedback

Often used at the associative stage of learning- reliance on external feedback is needed because the learner has not yet acquired the correct feel of the skill

Performance is jerky and ill-timed The perceptual trace compares performance as it is taking place

with the plan released by the memory trace If the performance matches the plan the skill is reinforced and

allowed to continue If the performance does not match the plan the skill is adjusted

and this change is stored as a new motor programme E.G. Changing direction to avoid an opponent when dribbling in

hockey – requires conscious thought

Closed Loop Control (level three)

The plan EMP stored in the LTM

The action of the working muscles

Memory Trace

Perceptual Trace (conscious feedback via the brain

Learning SkillsOpen loop and closed loop theory explains how

we control psycho-motor skills. BUTIt also explains how we learn skills;Learning takes place because the perceptual

trace is developed and becomes stronger as you practice

When we talk about types of feedback we’ll go deeper

Applying it!Using a gymnast performing a hand stand as

an example: Explain how open and closed loop control is used

See Pg 175Watch the videos and explain how open and

closed loop control is used

Hockey Skills

Diving Skills

Cricket Skills

Football Skills

Drawbacks to the theoryIf a separate memory trace is required for each

skill/movement, it would not be possible to storeIf you could store all of them, it would take too

long to recall them when required.In sport people can act spontaneously and adapt

movements in an open situation, this is called a ‘novel response’ If the motor program doesn’t exist, how is ‘Novel Response’ explained?

Schema Theory helps to explain some of these… we will look at this later.

We need to first know about feedback

FeedbackThis is info received during or after a skill has

been performed. There are several types:PositiveNegativeExtrinsicIntrinsicTerminalConcurrentKnowledge of performanceKnowledge of results

FeedbackSee you sheetYou must be able to describe each of these

accurately and relate them to practical situationsYou must also be able to say which feedback is

used at various phases of learning

Why is feedback important?Improves confidenceIncreases motivationDrive reduction can be reduced (loss of

motivation) (see later)Essential for learning (corrects errors)Good actions reinforced (S-R bonds are

reinforced)

RevisionFlash Cards