A Proposed Postural Control Theory Synthesizing Optimal Feedback Control Theory, Postural Motor Learning, and Cerebellar Supervision Learning

Nathan Morelli, Matthew Hoch

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Multiple theories regarding motor learning and postural control development aim to explain how the central nervous system (CNS) acquires, adjusts, and learns postural behaviors. However, few theories of postural motor development and learning propose possible neurophysiologic correlates to support their assumptions. Evidence from behavioral and computational models support the cerebellum’s role in supervising motor learning through the production of forward internal models, corrected by sensory prediction errors. Optimal Feedback Control Theory (OFCT) states that the CNS learns new behaviors by minimizing the cost of multi-joint movements that attain a task goal. By synthesizing principles of the OFCT, postural sway characteristics, and cerebellar anatomy and its internal models, we propose an integrated learning model in which cerebellar supervision of postural control is governed by movement cost functions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1118-1133
Number of pages16
JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills
Volume127
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2020.

Keywords

  • cerebellum
  • internal models
  • motor control
  • optimal feedback control theory
  • postural control
  • postural motor learning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Sensory Systems

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