Synopsis
Motor Control and Learning: A Behavioral Emphasis is the only graduate textbook that combines motor control and motor learning with the in-depth details students need in order to understand the topic and distinguish between both sides of an issue. The fourth edition features an up-to-date review of the latest research in the field.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Terry L Grindstaff, DPT, ATC, SCS, CSCS(University of Virginia Health System)
Description:This fourth edition of an introduction to the principles of motor learning and performance includes updated references, more student friendly exercises at the end of each chapter, and an online study component. The third edition of this book, which was first published in 1991, was published in 2004.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide an introduction to motor learning via a conceptual model with a situation-based learning approach. Each chapter has outlined specific learning objectives.
Audience:As an introductory book, this is aimed primarily at undergraduate students in physical education, exercise science, kinesiology, biomechanics, psychology, or professional programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training. Both authors are well respected in their fields and have published extensively.
Features:The book's four parts broadly cover an overview of motor performance and learning, principles of skilled performance, principles of skilled learning, and integration/application. Each chapter uses a number of visual aids (graphs, flow charts) to further clarify written concepts. A unique aspect of the book is the number of questions presented in each chapter that require readers to apply information to theoretical situations. Chapters conclude with terminology and essay type questions, and additional application exercises. Answers for terminology questions are located in the appendix. An extensive reference list and index end the book.
Assessment:Undergraduate students will appreciate the introductory information, practical applications, and updated references which make the fourth edition necessary. Students may find this book is of similar quality and easier to read than Motor Learning and Control: Concepts and Applications, 8th edition, by Magill (McGraw-Hill, 2006).
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Terry L Grindstaff, DPT, ATC, SCS, CSCS(University of Virginia Health System)Description: This fourth edition of an introduction to the principles of motor learning and performance includes updated references, more student friendly exercises at the end of each chapter, and an online study component. The third edition of this book, which was first published in 1991, was published in 2004.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide an introduction to motor learning via a conceptual model with a situation-based learning approach. Each chapter has outlined specific learning objectives.
Audience: As an introductory book, this is aimed primarily at undergraduate students in physical education, exercise science, kinesiology, biomechanics, psychology, or professional programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training. Both authors are well respected in their fields and have published extensively.
Features: The book's four parts broadly cover an overview of motor performance and learning, principles of skilled performance, principles of skilled learning, and integration/application. Each chapter uses a number of visual aids (graphs, flow charts) to further clarify written concepts. A unique aspect of the book is the number of questions presented in each chapter that require readers to apply information to theoretical situations. Chapters conclude with terminology and essay type questions, and additional application exercises. Answers for terminology questions are located in the appendix. An extensive reference list and index end the book.
Assessment: Undergraduate students will appreciate the introductory information, practical applications, and updated references which make the fourth edition necessary. Students may find this book is of similar quality and easier to read than Motor Learning and Control: Concepts and Applications, 8th edition, by Magill (McGraw-Hill, 2006).