Motor learning refers to “the process of acquiring a skill by which the learner, through practice and assimilation, refines and makes automatic the desired movement”. It is an internal neurologic process that results in the ability to produce a new motor task.
Motor learning is a “set of internal processes associated with practice or experience leading to relatively permanent changes in the capability for skilled behavior.” In other words, motor learning is when complex processes in the brain occur in response to practice or experience of a certain skill resulting in changes in the central nervous system that allow for production of a new motor skill. It often involves improving the smoothness and accuracy of movements and is obviously necessary for developing c; but it is also important for calibrating simple movements like reflexes, as parameters of the body and environment change over time. Motor learning research often considers variables that contribute to motor program formation (i.e., underlying skilled motor behavior), sensitivity of error-detection processes, and strength of movement schemas. There are many different theories of Motor Learning
STAGES OF MOTOR LEARNING
| Stages of Learning
| Characteristics | Attention Demands |
| Cognitive | · Movements are slow, inconsistent and inefficient. Considerable cognitive activity is required. | · Attention to understand what must move to produce a specific result.Large parts of the movement are controlled consciously |
| Associative | · Movements are more fluid, reliable and efficient. Less cognitive activity is required | Some parts of the movements are controlled consciously, some automatically. |
| Autonomous
| · Movements are accurate, consistent and efficient. Little or no cognitive activity is required. | · Movement is largely controlled automatically · Attention can be focused on tactical choices
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Motor learning requires practice, feedback, and knowledge of results. Motor learning leads to skill, as the patient/client progresses from simple to complex tasks within controlled and open environments. Motor learning is influenced by the patient/client age, motivation, learning style, and cognition.
