This volume evolved from a workshop which addressed the general area of motor control, and the broader problems of serial organisation and sensory-motor integration of human skills. A number of specific issues are highlighted, including the neural mechanisms and disabilities of sensory-motor integration, planning and programming of action, the dynamics of interlimb coordination, amendment and updating mechanisms, and in particular, perception-action coupling and the representation of action. Underlying much of the volume are the major theoretical issues which include the debate between computational and prescriptive approaches versus the emergent properties and system dynamics approaches. The book represents a diverse approach from such disciplines as psychology, electrical and mechanical engineering, human movement studies, physiotherapy, neurology, and kinesiology.

Despite the intensive experimental and theoretical studies for over a century, the general processes involved in neural control of pasture and movement, in learning of motor behaviour in healthy subjects and in adaptation in pathology were and remain a challenging problems for the scientists in the field of sensorimotor control. The book is the outcome of the Advanced Research Workshop Sensorimotor Control, where the focus was on the state and the perspectives of the study in the field.

Humans are endowed with extraordinary sensory-motor capabilities that enable a successful interaction with and exploration of the environment, as is the case of human manipulation. Understanding and modeling these capabilities represents an important topic not only for neuroscience but also for robotics in a mutual inspiration, both to inform the design and control of artificial systems and, at the same time, to increase knowledge on the biological side. Within this context, synergies -- i.e., goal-directed actions that constrain multi DOFs of the human body and can be defined at the kinematic, muscular, neural level -- have gained increasing attention as a general simplified approach to shape the development of simple and effective artificial devices. The execution of such purposeful sensory-motor primitives on the biological side leverages on the interplay of the sensory-motor control at central and peripheral level, and the interaction of the human body with the external world. This interaction is particularly important considering the new concept of robotic soft manipulation, i.e. soft, adaptable yet robust robotic hands that can deform with the external environment to multiply their grasping and manipulation capabilities. Under this regard, a preeminent role is reserved to touch, being that skin isour primary organ to shape our knowledge of the external world and, hence, to modify it, in interaction with the efferent parts. This Research Topic reports results on the mutual inspiration between neuroscience and robotics, and on how it is possible to translate neuroscientific findings on human manipulation into engineering guidelines for simplified systems able to take full advantage from the interaction and hence exploitation of environmental constraints for task accomplishment and knowledge acquisition.

An understanding of the scientific principles underpinning the learning and execution of fundamental and skilled movements is of central importance in disciplines across the sport and exercise sciences. The second edition of Motor Control, Learning and Development: Instant Notes offers students an accessible, clear and concise introduction to the core concepts of motor behavior, from learning through to developing expertise. Including two brand new chapters on implicit versus explicit learning and motor control and aging, this new edition is fully revised and updated, and covers: definitions, theories and measurements of motor control; information processing, neurological issues and sensory factors in control; theories and stages of motor learning; memory and feedback; the development of fundamental movement skills; and the application of theory to coaching and rehabilitation practice. Highly illustrated and well-formatted, the book allows readers to grasp complex ideas quickly, through learning objectives, research highlights, review questions and activities, and encourages students to deepen their understanding through further reading suggestions. This is important foundational reading for any student taking classes in motor control, learning or behavior or skill acquisition, or a clear and concise reference for any practicing sports coach, physical education teacher or rehabilitation specialist.

This book is the first to view the effects of development, aging, and practice on the control of human voluntary movement from a contemporary context. Emphasis is on the links between progress in basic motor control research and applied areas such as motor disorders and motor rehabilitation. Relevant to both professionals in the areas of motor control, movement disorders, and motor rehabilitation, and to students starting their careers in one of these actively developed areas.

Autism is a word most of us are familiar with. But do we really know what it means? Children with autism are challenged by the most essential human behaviors. They have difficulty interacting with other people-often failing to see people as people rather than simply objects in their environment. They cannot easily communicate ideas and feelings, have great trouble imagining what others think or feel, and in some cases spend their lives speechless. They frequently find it hard to make friends or even bond with family members. Their behavior can seem bizarre. Education is the primary form of treatment for this mysterious condition. This means that we place important responsibilities on schools, teachers and children's parents, as well as the other professionals who work with children with autism. With the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975, we accepted responsibility for educating children who face special challenges like autism. While we have since amassed a substantial body of research, researchers have not adequately communicated with one another, and their findings have not been integrated into a proven curriculum. Educating Children with Autism outlines an interdisciplinary approach to education for children with autism. The committee explores what makes education effective for the child with autism and identifies specific characteristics of programs that work. Recommendations are offered for choosing educational content and strategies, introducing interaction with other children, and other key areas. This book examines some fundamental issues, including: How children's specific diagnoses should affect educational assessment and planning How we can support the families of children with autism Features of effective instructional and comprehensive programs and strategies How we can better prepare teachers, school staffs, professionals, and parents to educate children with autism What policies at the federal, state, and local levels will best ensure appropriate education, examining strategies and resources needed to address the rights of children with autism to appropriate education. Children with autism present educators with one of their most difficult challenges. Through a comprehensive examination of the scientific knowledge underlying educational practices, programs, and strategies, Educating Children with Autism presents valuable information for parents, administrators, advocates, researchers, and policy makers.

Autism: The Movement Sensing Perspective is the result of a collaborative effort by parents, therapists, clinicians, and researchers from all disciplines in science including physics, engineering, and applied mathematics. This book poses questions regarding the current conceptualization and approach to the study of autism, providing an alternative unifying data-driven framework grounded in physiological factors. This book reaches beyond subjective descriptions of autistic phenomena and embraces a new era of objective measurements, analyses, and statistical inferences. The authors harness activities from the nervous systems across the brain and body (often in tandem), and introduce a platform for the comprehensive personalized phenotyping of individuals with autism. The impact of this approach is discussed to advance the development of tailored treatments options, enhance the ability to longitudinally track symptomatology, and to fundamentally empower affected individuals and their families. This book encompasses a new era for autism research and treatments, and our continuous effort to collectively empower and embrace the autistic community.

This text examines the neural basis of musicianship and forms a comprehensive account of the motor skills and associated cognitive processes which are behind musical talent. It covers a range of instruments and performance situations, and examines motor problems in musicians in later life.

A multi-disciplinary look at the current state of knowledge regarding motor control and movement—from molecular biology to robotics The last two decades have seen a dramatic increase in the number of sophisticated tools and methodologies for exploring motor control and movement. Multi-unit recordings, molecular neurogenetics, computer simulation, and new scientific approaches for studying how muscles and body anatomy transform motor neuron activity into movement have helped revolutionize the field. Neurobiology of Motor Control brings together contributions from an interdisciplinary group of experts to provide a review of the current state of knowledge about the initiation and execution of movement, as well as the latest methods and tools for investigating them. The book ranges from the findings of basic scientists studying model organisms such as mollusks and Drosophila, to biomedical researchers investigating vertebrate motor production to neuroengineers working to develop robotic and smart prostheses technologies. Following foundational chapters on current molecular biological techniques, neuronal ensemble recording, and computer simulation, it explores a broad range of related topics, including the evolution of motor systems, directed targeted movements, plasticity and learning, and robotics. Explores motor control and movement in a wide variety of organisms, from simple invertebrates to human beings Offers concise summaries of motor control systems across a variety of animals and movement types Explores an array of tools and methodologies, including electrophysiological techniques, neurogenic and molecular techniques, large ensemble recordings, and computational methods Considers unresolved questions and how current scientific advances may be used to solve them going forward Written specifically to encourage interdisciplinary understanding and collaboration, and offering the most wide-ranging, timely, and comprehensive look at the science of motor control and movement currently available, Neurobiology of Motor Control is a must-read for all who study movement production and the neurobiological basis of movement—from molecular biologists to roboticists.