Topic: Motor Control

The Nervous System

Organization of Movements
Flexibility
Names Reporters: Rod Julius Delos Reyes, Izanhel Salvador, Zyrill Suiza, Angelo
Sabiniano

Target Student: BPED-2A (LSPU-SCC)

I. Objective:
At the end of the lesson, the student is expected to:
• Know the different functions of Motor Control
• Know the parts of the Nervous System
• Know the Organization of Movements
• Know the definition of flexibility
II. Materials:
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Laptop
• Cellphone
• Google meet

INTRODUCTION of the topic.

Motor control is a complex process involving the coordinated contraction of muscles due
to the transmission of impulses sent from the motor cortex to its motor units. It is “the
process of initiating, directing, and grading purposeful voluntary movement”.
It is a top-down process of the nervous system that occurs before the actual movement
is performed. (planning –> programming –> execution)

Motor control functions

 The task that needs to be completed is identified→ body gathers sensory
information from the environment→ perceives the information→ chooses a
movement plan appropriate plan to meet the goal of the task.
 Plan is coordinated within the CNS (Central Nervous system) → executed
through motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord → outcome
 communicated to the muscles in postural and limb synergies, and in the head
and neck→ motor units timed to fire in a specific manner.
 Sensory feedback supplied to the CNS (Central Nervous system) by the
movement → decision taken to (1) modify the plan during execution, (2)
acknowledge the goal of the task to be achieved, and (3) store the information for
future performance of the same task-goal combination.
The nervous system

 Originating from your brain, it controls your movements, thoughts and automatic
responses to the world around you.
 It also controls other body systems and processes, such as digestion, breathing
and sexual development.

Main function of the nervous system

 Control of body's internal environment to maintain 'homeostasis'
 Programming of spinal cord reflexes.
 Memory and learning.
 Voluntary control of movement
Types of Nervous System
 Somatic and Autonomic Nervous System
 Sympathetic nervous system.
 Parasympathetic nervous system.
 Enteric nervous system.
The Brain
The brain is a complex organ that controls thought, memory, emotion,
touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger and every process
that regulates our body.

Three main parts of the brain

Cerebrum- the largest part of the brain and is composed of right
and left hemispheres. It performs higher functions like interpreting touch,
vision and hearing, as well as speech, reasoning, emotions, learning, and fine
control of movement.
Cerebellum- is located under the cerebrum. Its function is to
coordinate muscle movements, maintain posture, and balance.
Brain stem- acts as a relay center connecting the cerebrum and
cerebellum to the spinal cord.
It performs many automatic functions such as breathing, heart rate, body
temperature, wake and sleep cycles, digestion, sneezing, coughing, vomiting,
and swallowing.

Organization of Movement
Movements are separated into two categories; the reflex and voluntary
movements.
Reflex
Involuntary and nearly instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus.
The reflex is an automatic response to a stimulus that does not receive or
need conscious thought as it occurs through a reflex arc.
Reflex arcs act on an impulse before that impulse reaches the brain.
Reflex movements
 Closing of eyes when a bright light hits our eyes.
 Sudden withdrawing hands or legs when they touch something hot
or pricking.
 Coughing or sneezing due to irritants in the nasal passage.
 Batting of eyelids frequently.
 Blinking eyes when insects come in contact.

Voluntary movements
 Manifestations of a centrally generated intention to act.
 The way in which intention is generated is irrelevant for the notion of
voluntary movement.
 It may result from bodily needs such as hunger or thirst, or from higher
order deliberations based on one's own beliefs and desires.
 Examples of this wide class of movements are the skilled movements
of fingers and hands, like manipulating an object, playing the piano,
reaching, as well as the movements that we perform in speech.
Flexibility
Flexibility is defined as the range of motion of your joints or the
ability of your joints to move freely. It also refers to the mobility of your
muscles, which allows for more movement around the joints.
Range of motion is the distance and direction your joints can move, while
mobility is the ability to move without restriction.
Why is flexibility important?
 it improves mobility, posture, muscle coordination, reduces the risk
of injuries and muscle soreness.
 leads to a better overall “shape”.
 bones are properly align giving your muscles, joints, ligaments and
vital organs function well.

Does flexibility make you stronger?

People with poor flexibility are prone to injuries that include strained
muscles, fractured bones, torn ligaments, and strained muscles.
Stretching lengthens muscle tissue and increases flexibility, both of which
allow you to perform strength building moves with greater range of
movement, making the exercise more effective.
Can an inflexible person become flexible?
Flexibility begins with changing your mind first. It’s never too late to
become flexible, but it does get more difficult with age. As we get older our
tendons become more rigid, and the muscles and joints that allow for easy
mobility become stiff.
Tips to improve Flexibility:
1. Practice your Stretches Every Day
2. Breathe
3. Try Yoga and Pilates