Principles of Motor Learning to Know for Motor Learning and Control

Understanding the principles of motor learning is key to improving skills and performance. These principles, like practice variability and feedback, help learners adapt, refine techniques, and achieve their goals in various contexts, enhancing overall motor control and effectiveness.

1. Practice variability

   • Involves varying practice conditions to enhance adaptability and skill transfer.
   • Promotes learning by exposing learners to different contexts and scenarios.
   • Helps in developing problem-solving skills and decision-making during performance.

2. Feedback types and scheduling

   • Types of feedback include intrinsic (self-generated) and extrinsic (provided by others).
   • Feedback can be immediate or delayed, with each having different effects on learning.
   • Scheduling feedback (e.g., frequent vs. intermittent) influences retention and performance.

3. Whole vs. part practice

   • Whole practice involves practicing the entire skill at once, beneficial for simple tasks.
   • Part practice breaks the skill into smaller components, useful for complex tasks.
   • The choice depends on the skill complexity and the learner's experience level.

4. Blocked vs. random practice

   • Blocked practice focuses on one skill at a time, leading to short-term performance gains.
   • Random practice mixes different skills, enhancing long-term retention and transfer.
   • Random practice is generally more effective for skill acquisition in dynamic environments.

5. Distributed vs. massed practice

   • Distributed practice involves shorter, more frequent sessions with rest intervals, promoting better retention.
   • Massed practice consists of longer sessions with little to no rest, often leading to fatigue.
   • The effectiveness of practice distribution depends on the skill and the learner's level.

6. Mental practice

   • Involves visualizing or mentally rehearsing a skill without physical execution.
   • Can enhance performance by reinforcing neural pathways associated with the skill.
   • Effective for skill refinement and preparation, especially in high-pressure situations.

7. Transfer of learning

   • Refers to the influence of previously learned skills on the acquisition of new skills.
   • Positive transfer occurs when skills enhance performance, while negative transfer hinders it.
   • Understanding transfer is crucial for designing effective training programs.

8. Stages of motor learning

   • The stages include cognitive (understanding the task), associative (refining the skill), and autonomous (performing with little thought).
   • Progression through stages varies by individual and task complexity.
   • Feedback and practice strategies should align with the learner's current stage.

9. Specificity of practice

   • Emphasizes practicing skills in conditions that closely resemble the actual performance environment.
   • Enhances the transfer of learning by ensuring relevant context and conditions are included.
   • Important for developing skills that are context-dependent, such as sports or musical performance.

10. Goal setting

    • Involves establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives.
    • Goals can be outcome-based (focused on results) or process-based (focused on technique).
    • Effective goal setting enhances motivation, focus, and performance in motor learning.