Bernstein's Learning Stages

Dominant vs. Non dominant handwriting

>Fewer DOF in non dominant limb >Dominant- showed wrist, elbow, and shoulder moving independently

Balancing on platform stage 2 (more practice)

>High frequency >High amplitude

Evidence for Bernstein's

>Initial low amp and high freq >after multiple practice days- high amp and freq >more use of joints through practice

Stage 1 (Freeze Limbs)

>Learner attempts to freeze as many DOF as possible -Restricting independence of body parts >Success is then achieved b/c there is less that can go wrong

Expert vs. Novice pistol shooter

>Novices-lock the DOF in arms >Experts- no locking; use compensatory actions which allow more arm control and less pistol motion

Stage 2 (Release Limbs)

>Practice ups the independence of the body parts >Constraints on DOF are down, allowing greater independent motion

Balancing on platforms stage 1

>difficulty moving the platform >low amplitude >high frequency >restricted movements

Stage 3 (Exploitation with Environment)

>motor system takes advantage of mechanical-inertial properties of the limbs >less need for info processing >faster movements >less energy costs

Bernstein's Perspective

Learning means you are solving the degrees of freedom problem

Bernstein's Learning Stages

Learning occurs in three stages: 1. freeze limbs 2. release limbs 3. exploitation with environment

Evidence Against Bernstein

One size does not fit all ---task dependent

Bernstein's Perspective (Coordinative Structures)

formed by constraining or limiting potential options (muscles/joints) appropriately for a particular movement pattern ex. pole vaulters form coordinative structures to swing their trail leg forward & row arms down while keeping arms & legs straight