Motor Programmes What are they Why do we

Motor Programmes What are they? Why do we need them? Where are they stored? Give me examples. A series or chain of pre-learned movements initiated on command.

Open Loop Control Traditional view: there is a centrally organised pre-planned set of very specific muscle commands that, when initiated, allowed the entire sequence to be carried out without reference to additional feedback. Helps to explain how performers appear to carry out very fast actions that have been well learned without really thinking. (particularly closed skills). i. e. use very little conscious control E. g reflex catch in cricket.

Open loop cont… What would be the problem if we stored every movement of every programme in our memory. Therefore the notion of a motor programme being decided on and initiated on from the STM solves the overload problem. This is because there is no need for modification in relatively stable situations. This type of movement control is called “Open Loop Control” (without feedback)

What research do we have to support this? ? Reaction time has found to be longer in actions which involve more complex movements. A tennis serve for example has many component parts. This suggests the action is carried following a preplanned organisation. Animal experiments have shown that even when the Central nervous system is severed (no feedback) movements can still occur.

Closed Loop Control The loop is completed by information form various sensory receptors feeding back information to the central mechanism. Feedback is kinaesthetic. Allows comparison between what is actually happening and the previously stored model of correct performance. This allows errors to be detected and acted upon. Better for slower more controlled movements (running, headstand etc) Most movements will be a combination of open and closed loop control.