Describe a motor program.
Defined as a set
of movements stored as a whole in the memory regardless of whether feedback is
used in their execution.
*A PLAN of the
whole skill or pattern of movement
·
Catching a ball in basketball
·
Hitting a ball in tennis
(i) A whole plan (executive
program/motor program) and subroutines
i. Executive: a number of motor programs put together (gymnastics
routine)
ii. Subroutine- building block of a motor program; “mini skills”
(kicking, catching, throwing, dribbling)
** executive programs can only be executed successfully by
training and focusing on subroutines
(ii)
Coordination of subroutines
a.
When a specific action is required, the memory process retrieves the
stored programme and transmits the motor commands via nerve impulses to the
relevant muscles allowing movement to occur. This is known as ‘executive motor
programme.
b.
When needed this programme is recalled. If this skill is learned then
the reaction time to produce the skill is very short.
c.
When the performer becomes more skilled then the motor programme is
taken away and supersede by a new programme. Then this new one will become
learned.
(iii)
Relegating executive programs to
subroutines
When a specific action is required, the memory process
retrieves the stored programme and transmits the motor commands via nerve
impulses to the relevant muscles allowing movement to occur. This is known as
‘executive motor programme.
When needed this programme is recalled. If this skill
is learned then the reaction time to produce the skill is very short.
When the performer becomes more skilled then the motor
programme is taken away and superseded by a new programme. Then this new one
will become learned.