Synonyms in the broadest sense
Motor learning, coordination processes, control loop levels English: movement coordination
Introduction
This article attempts to describe the human movement in its appearance and to illustrate possible motor learning processes by means of coordination processes in the human brain.
Definition
The analysis of movement coordination is part of the science of movement and is explained using control loop levels. The term coordination refers to the interaction of several subprocesses. Applied to sport, movement coordination is understood as the interaction between muscles and the nervous system. Movement coordination is part of a movement action and plays the most important role in the execution part next to cognitive and emotional processes.
Process of movement coordination
The coordination of human movements is explained on the basis of cybernetic control loop levels. By means of control and regulation processes, the processes of athletic movement can be explained in more detail, and it becomes clear why the individual exercises are completed better by those who have practised than by beginners. The human being is understood as a system that absorbs and processes stimuli from the environment and transforms them into the respective movement.
We can compare this with the principle of a radiator, which compares the real actual value with a target value and makes changes if necessary. The human organism can control a movement through muscle innervation (efference) and feedback (afference). The control of movements is divided into 3 control loop levels based on motor learning. The control of movements is divided into 3 control loop levels based on motor learning.
1. control loop level
In the first control loop level, movement coordination takes place as conscious control, without targeted activation of subordinate areas such as the cerebellum or basal ganglia. The execution of the movement is still very grossly motoric and corrections during the movement are hardly or not at all possible. The athlete only receives feedback about the execution of the movement via optical and acoustic stimuli from the environment.
The kinesthetic analyzer (reafferences), which is responsible for the fine tuning of the movement, plays only a very minor role in the first control loop level. Example: The action plan for serve in tennis is available. The athlete has a rough idea of what the movement should look like, but when executing the movement he cannot perceive possible incorrect positions himself, because the internal feedback does not yet allow him to do so. Occurring mistakes can only be corrected by the coach or trainer. You can find more on this topic in our article: Motor Learning
2. control loop level
If the movement is performed frequently, it seems increasingly safe. So-called movement programs are formed in the cerebellum, and control during the execution of movement is possible based on feedback from the kinaesthetic analyzer. Subcortical and supraspinal centers take over this unconscious control.
In this phase of movement execution, the consciousness can be directed to other relevant points of attention. Feedback from the trainer or teacher still has some significance, but recedes into the background as the confidence in executing the movement increases. Using the example of serve in tennis, the aim of the serve is achieved. The ball is executed with confidence and all aspects of technique are taken into account. However, the dynamic aspect of the movement is not yet apparent.
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