University:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Course:
PSY 105 | General Psychology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

34

Pages:

2
Author:

Jithin J I

NEUROCOGNITION AND MOVEMENT IN SPORTS I. Introduction  This chapter delves into the neurophysiological aspects of motor skills and motor learning.  Emphasis is placed on understanding changes within these processes.  Learning, in this context, refers to physiological alterations in brain functions that manifest as behavioral changes.  This chapter provides an overview of relevant neurobiological fundamentals. II. Motor Systems: The Brain and Spinal Cord  Our behavioral repertoire comprises movements controlled by motor systems in the brain and spinal cord.  Motor systems encompass brain areas involved in planning, executing, and controlling movements, as well as providing feedback.  These systems generate nerve impulses to induce muscle contractions, enabling posture, movement, and communication.  Even simple movements, like extending a hand, involve multiple joints and adjustments in the body's center of gravity.  Consideration of mechanical properties, such as muscle, bone, and joint characteristics, is vital. A. Sensory Feedback and Motor Command  Motor systems transmit precise commands to muscle groups.  They continually receive sensory information about body and limb positions, muscle contraction levels, and more.  Sensory feedback informs the brain, which then initiates movements through motor commands.  This motor command travels to the spinal cord for muscle innervation. III. Hierarchically Organized Motor Control Instances  Motor control involves a hierarchical organization of five control instances: cerebral cortex, cerebellum (Crbl), basal ganglia (BG), brain stem, and spinal cord.  Each instance has distinct functions and cooperates in a coordinated manner.  Reflexes can be generated at the spinal cord level, while purposeful movements require input from higher centers. A. Structure and Main Functions of Movement Control in the Brain  Cerebral cortex (Cortex): Responsible for decision-making, movement design, and execution.  Cerebellum (Crbl): Monitors and fine-tunes movements.  Basal Ganglia (BG): Evaluates, fine-tunes, and predicts movements.  Brainstem and Spinal Cord: Execute movements and control reflexes. IV. Motor Systems Interaction: A Ball Throw Example  A handball throw serves as an example of motor system interaction.  The planning of the throw involves the cortex, Crbl, and BG.  Complex execution is managed by the brainstem and spinal cord.  Decision-making loops occur in the motivational and limbic cortex and the BG.  These loops lead to potential movement patterns and the initial design of the planned movement.  The final action pattern results from cooperation between the BG, optimizing the throw, and the Crbl, refining the spatiotemporal structure.  The motor cortex combines these results, forming the pattern executed by the brainstem and spinal cord.