Applied Aspects of Contemporary Motor Control Theories: A Natural Science Perspective

The review is based on theoretical advances in the field of motor control that view the neural control of movements as a subfield of natural science. We accept the theory of hierarchical control of movements with basic commands, reciprocal, and coactivation, at different levels of the hierarchy, from the control of whole-body actions to the control of individual joints and digits. The principle of abundance views the numerous elements participating in all actions as an important feature that allows movements to combine dynamical stability with adaptability. This principle is readily compatible with the uncontrolled manifold hypothesis. These concepts have been applied to analysis of consequences of fatigue, natural aging, and a range of neurological disorders, from large-fiber peripheral neuropathy to brain disorders. Mechanisms of rehabilitation of movement disorders and improvement of motor performance are discussed. Important pieces of information are missing in the described theoretical frameworks in particular those related to mapping between the theoretical levels of control and coordination and neurophysiological circuitry. New directions of studies are sketched that may lead to progress in understanding applied aspects of motor control.