Human Motor Learning and Control
EXSS5050
This unit takes both a behavioural and a neurophysiological approach to the acquisition and execution of skilled motor actions. These approaches overlap, with the behavioural approach being primarily directed at the structures and processes underlying movement without considering their physical basis, while the neurophysiological approach is primarily directed at the neuromuscular machinery and the functional neural connections that govern movement. The information processing and energetic capacities that underpin motor performance are examined; that is, memory, attention, reaction time, planning, speed-accuracy trade-off, force control, economy of energy, coordination, multi-task performance, automaticity, lateralisation, arousal and stress, effort and resources, talent and expert-novice skill differences. The features of learning that can be manipulated to promote motor learning are examined, such as goals, motivation, instruction, practice conditions and feedback, imagery and mental rehearsal; and their applications to teaching motor skills, coaching and rehabilitation are considered. Consideration is given to the interaction between automatic and conscious control systems in the production of motor behaviour and how this informs strategies for error correction in motor performance. The ecological and motor program approaches to motor learning are considered. Students will read relevant research and theoretical material and be expected to report and interpret their findings and contribute to class discussion. This unit of study will be offered on campus supported with WebCT resources.
Unit of study details
Unit of study level: Postgraduate
Credit points: 6
Commencing semesters: 1
Further unit of study information
Unit of study handbook: EXSS5050
Costs and scholarships information: Costs and Scholarships
Final dates to withdraw from units of study: Census Dates
Available for study abroad and exchange: No