Information Processing

in Motor Learning
Chapter 17

1
Outline
Structure and function of the
nervous system

Information processing and

making decisions

Feedback in movement
control

Factors affecting information

processing

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Structure and Function of the Nervous System

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 CNS
Control center

PNS
Connects CNS
with the rest of
the body
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The Neuron and Its Function

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Neuron
Nerve cell

The fundamental functional and structural

unit of the nervous system

Allows information to travel throughout the

body to various destinations

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Receptive Cell Body
Segment

Dendrites:
receive message

Myelin sheath
Conductive Axon:
Segment transmits
Nodes of message to
Ranvier terminal
ending

Terminal ending on muscle:

Transmissive
Segment sends off message to
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adjacent neuron 7
Motor end plate
 Myelin sheath:
fatty covering or
insulator

Skipping of the impulse

allowing faster
conduction

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Types of Neurons
Afferent neurons
Interneurons
Sensory
Originate and terminate
Carry signals to the in CNS
brain
Connect afferents and
efferents in CNS

CNS tissue cross-section

Efferent neurons
Motor
Carry signals from the
brain

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Types of Neurons cont.

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The Neuron’s Function
Receptive
Receptive segment (dendrites)
 Receives continuous synaptic input
(chemical) from other neurons

Conductive segment (axon)

 Conduction of neural information in the
form of nerve impulse (electrical)
Conductive
Transmissive segment (axon
terminals)
 Converts electrical nerve impulse to
chemical form (neurotransmitter) and
sends it off to synapse

Transmissive
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Neural Impulses
Transport the information necessary for all activities we
carry out
The language of the nervous system
Relay of impulse within neuron:

Rest: Stimulus: Rest:

polarization depolarization polarization
Membrane potential = (mV)
-70 mV Action Potential
+50
+40 mV
0
-50
Resting Potential
-100

Stimulus
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The Synapse and Synaptic Transmission

SYNAPSE

OO O
O O O
. : :.. …. ……
…..:: : .
SYNAPTIC : .:.;. . .
TRANSMISSION O O
O
O

• Differ in terms of :
• Neurotransmitter used
(e.g., acetylcholine or Ach)
• General function (e.g.,
inhibitory vs.excitatory) NEUROTRANSMITTER

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 The Synapse and Synaptic Transmission

“All-or-none” law
Synaptic transmission causes action potential when
its strength is above a minimum threshold level

Below threshold level = NO action potential

Action potential is always the same intensity

regardless of the strength of synaptic transmission
above the threshold level

Action potential intensity remains constant along the

nerve fibre 14
 Indication of Strength of stimulus
STIMULUS

Refractory Period

Absolute Relative

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Information Processing and Making Decisions

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 Input

The Human

Output

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Information-Processing Stages

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Stimulus-Identification Stage
• Sensing environmental information
• Exteroceptors
• Proprioceptors
• Representation of stimulus and its
nature

ION
PT
CE
E R
ION P
AT
NS
S E

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Response-Selection Stage
• Translation from perception to a
response in the form of a motor
program
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Response-Programming Stage
• Organizing the selected movement
• Retrieve motor program
• Command correct muscles
• Choose appropriate force

Ef • Choose appropriate timing, etc.

f er
en
t ne
rve
s

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Feedback in Movement Control

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As we execute movements, the receptors in our
bodies continually update the CNS about the
nature of our actions

The efficiency of motor control by the information-

processing system depends on feedback

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 Central
Processing
System
Functions

Sensory • Perception Effector

Receptors System
• Decision
making
• Ears • Data storage • Biceps
• Eyes and coding • Quadriceps
• Propriocepto • Transition • Abdominals
to motor Output
Coaching rs • Latissimus
program
Instructions • Vestibular dorsi
system • Pivot
Exteroceptive
• Watch the • Etc. Feedback • Dribble
opponent • Jump
• Feel the ball • Shot
• Error
• Keep information • Pass
balanced • Motivate
• Listen to
• Reinforce
teammates

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Closed-Loop Control

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Follows the idea that movements may be planned and
adjusted by feedback even during a movement

This general closed-loop control process is self-

regulating and will continue to maintain the desired
movement of the performer

Key elements:
Feedback
Error detection
Error correction

Analogy: thermostat

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 Error
Input

Senses

Perception Comparator Correction

CNS Stimulus (Reference
Identification system)
Executive
Response Selection
The stages of and Programming
information
processing Response
Execution

PNS Motor
Effector
Program
The motor
Proprioceptive Feedback
program and
motor system
Muscles

Output Exteroceptive Feedback

Environment
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Advantages of the Closed-Loop System

New skills
Activities requiring precision and
accuracy
Allows adjustment according to
the situation
Adds versatility to movements

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Disadvantages of the Closed-Loop System

Rapid, discrete actions do not

properly fall under closed-loop
control

Demands attention and time

Feedback must pass through the
processing stage

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Open-Loop Control

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Describes control of automatic actions

Motor program defines the details of skilled

action before the movement begins and
without the influence of peripheral feedback

Movements may be structured in advance,

enabling them to run off automatically when
initiated

Two main components:

The executive
The effector

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 STIMULUS

EXECUTIVE EFFECTOR

• Chooses motor • Carries out

program specific
• Relays instruction instructions
automatically

No Feedback

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Advantages of the Open-Loop System
Fast and forceful movements
can be produced without
extensive conscious control

Attention can de diverted to

other responses

Does not demand as much

time because there is no
feedback

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Disadvantages of the Open-Loop System
Not as effective in unstable and less predictable
situations
Movements may not be determined effectively in
advance

Not effective in precise and complex actions

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Factors Affecting Information Processing

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 Sensory
Sensory Input
Receptors
Quality
Relay

Arousal and Information Reaction

Psychological Time
Readiness Processing

Capacity to Ability to
Concentrate Anticipate

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