title: Humans adapt the initial posture in learning a whole-body kicking movement.
abstract: What strategies are used in learning to control new movements? The present investigation sought to understand this process by analyzing the changes in whole-body kinematics that occurred when subjects attempted to learn an unusual kicking movement. Five novices were taught a capoeira kick that involved both the upper and lower body for balance and co-ordination. Subjects performed two sets of 60 consecutive kicks, 24 h apart. Gradual changes in the body movement and the initial posture were found. Four subjects reduced the dynamic counter-twist associated with kick initiation. These subjects also adopted a more forward initial body lean. This gradual change in initial posture appeared to obviate the early counter-twist and to facilitate both the equilibrium and the goal directed components of the kick.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 6-145 Jackson Hall, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reifel Saltzberg
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hondzinski
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Flanders
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018953:Kinesiology, Applied / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D014741:Video Recording