Principles of sensorimotor learning.

Authors

Daniel M Wolpert, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
Jörn Diedrichsen, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, UK
J Randall Flanagan, Department of Psychology and Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-27-2011

Journal

Nature reviews. Neuroscience

Volume

12

Issue

12

First Page

739

Last Page

751

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1038/nrn3112

Abstract

The exploits of Martina Navratilova and Roger Federer represent the pinnacle of motor learning. However, when considering the range and complexity of the processes that are involved in motor learning, even the mere mortals among us exhibit abilities that are impressive. We exercise these abilities when taking up new activities - whether it is snowboarding or ballroom dancing - but also engage in substantial motor learning on a daily basis as we adapt to changes in our environment, manipulate new objects and refine existing skills. Here we review recent research in human motor learning with an emphasis on the computational mechanisms that are involved.