dynamical systems theory

Question 1

system

Answer 1

two or more components and how they relate to one another

Question 2

dynamical

Answer 2

when these components interact with one another and effect/change each other over time

Question 3

2 main points

Answer 3

1. WHAT has to be learned need to be established prior to HOW it is learned
2. Our environments are related interactions within our environments NOT stored

Question 4

3 constraints

Answer 4

-task
-individual
-environment
Movement results from these three constraints

Question 5

dynamical systems theory

Answer 5

• the nature of the intrinsic dynamics must be clarified in order to know what is modified or what is learned before determining how new patterns of movement are acquired
• the specification of a control system must be preceded by a precise specification of the system to be controlled

Question 6

experiment what and how

Answer 6

1. What:
   - learning to manipulate the ski apparatus with body weight and center of gravity, external forces
2. How:
   - discovery learning practice trials; amplitude, frequency, and phase lag measured and compared between test trials

Question 7

apparatus

Answer 7

• platform that rolls over two bowed, parallel metal rails
• rubber springs cause the platform frequency to decrease until it comes to a complete stop
• by exerting force on the platform, oscillations can be maintained at different amplitudes and frequencies
• moves at 40 Hz

Question 8

experiment

Answer 8

• 20 male subjects
• 4 days
• 6 discovery learning training periods of 90 seconds, 6 pre and post training tests of 30 seconds, 7 rest periods of 90 seconds
• participants were told to make platform move with the largest amplitude and highest frequency possible
• amplitude, frequency, phase lag all measured
• phase lag: measure of the timing of forcing

Question 9

results

Answer 9

day 1: pre-test phase lag =0
-high frequency, low amplitude, move with platform
-post-test phase lag =negative
-increased amplitude, decreased frequency, mainly exert force at reversal of platform movement
day 2: changes in amplitude begin to diminish, increases in frequency and phase lag
day 3: increase in phase lag
day 4: further increases in phase lag

Question 10

further results

Answer 10

• phase lag as dependant variable statistically significant results in describing performance and skill acquisition
• discovery learning important for final stage skill acquisition (bersteins model)
• dynamical systems approach used for skill acquisition
• increase seen in phase lag were significantly significant

Question 11

recent research

Answer 11

team sport and coaching

• players adapt depending on info that is learned during the game play
• evolution of interaction between the players
• evolution of game play abilities

Question 12

recovery in children with brain injury

Answer 12

recovery in children with acquired brain injuries
-focus on interactions of the different subsystems in each individual child
-different subsystems allows potential “entry points” into the system
-experience and practice are key to recovery as it can affect functional activity in the sensorimotor and primary motor cortex
-DSA provides comprehensive framework for potential influences on recovery
Coordination is attributed to the maturation of the NS as whole opposed to just the motor system

Question 13

activity

Answer 13

• cup stacking
• trail 1: stack and take down as quick as you think
• trail 2: watch demo and use that technique to stack and take down (music and lights changing: environmental constraint)
• trail 3: use dominant hand to build and take down (only one hand: individual constraint)
• trail 4: use both hands to stack and quickly as possible (time and prize: task constraint)