Comparing Open and Closed-Loop Motor Programmes
Understanding Motor Programmes
Motor programmes are essentially the brain's way of organizing and controlling movement patterns. Think of them as pre-programmed sequences of instructions that tell your muscles how to perform specific actions.
Think of motor programmes like a recipe - they contain all the instructions needed to execute a movement, but how they're used can vary depending on the situation.
Closed-Loop Motor Programmes
Closed-loop motor programmes operate with continuous feedback throughout the movement's execution.
Key characteristics:
- Constant sensory feedback during performance
- Ability to make ongoing corrections
- Slower execution due to processing time
- More accurate for precise movements
When performing a gymnastics balance beam routine:
- The gymnast constantly monitors their position
- Makes tiny adjustments to maintain balance
- Uses visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular feedback
- Can correct movements if they feel off-balance
Open-Loop Motor Programmes
Open-loop motor programmes run without ongoing feedback during execution.
Key characteristics:
- Pre-programmed movement patterns
- Faster execution speed
- No mid-movement corrections
- Better suited for quick, ballistic movements
During a golf swing:
- Once initiated, the movement runs to completion
- Too fast for conscious feedback processing
- Cannot be modified mid-swing
- Relies on pre-planned movement pattern
Comparing the Two Systems
Advantages and Disadvantages
Closed-Loop:
- More accurate
- Better for new skills
- Slower execution
