Human Motor Control [Hardcover]

"Neurological and psychological background information is summarized in an up-to-date and authoritative manner. The selection of reference material chosen to extend each of these sections of the book is appropriate and provides a well-developed and balanced resource for further detailed study by the more advanced student. Recent research results are incorporated into the general descriptive accounts, and the examples that have been chosen and the illustrations included are well related to the material that follows in later sections of the book... This is indeed a textbook with a difference. It will be useful for a wide spectrum of students... The bridge between neurology and psychology is again open. Moreover, it links a wide range of specialist's disciplines from sports to speech science. Rosenbaum has provided a major contribution to the educational literature that will be of use in all these specialist areas." --ROBERT PORTER, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia/CEP 11-24-92 "David Rosenbaum is a cognitive psychologist who has made significant contributions to the field of motor control, most notably on the nature of parameter setting in the control of rapid acts and movement sequences. He combines an exceptional understanding of the literature on motor control with an ability to communicate rather complex subject matter in a user-friendly fashion. This book provides an inviting introduction to material that has heretofore been viewed by many undergraduates as being simultaneously essential and obtuse... The book offers a clear and thorough presentation of the important research that has forged our understanding of motor control processes... This book has a pleasant readability that is quite impressive given the theoretical and technically involved nature of the subject matter... Human Motor Control is an excellent contribution to the literature in motor behavior. As such, the book deserves serious consideration by anyone interested in a comprehensive introduction to the area of motor control." --QUEST "[Rosenbaum] has clearly worked hard at evaluating up-to-date material, both experimental and theoretical, but also has tried to give the reader some perspective on the issues by highlighting the various 'classical works' in both the physiology and psychology of motor control." --STEPHEN A. WALLACE, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Kinesiology, University of Colorado, Boulder "The book offers a clear and thorough presentation of the important research which has forged our understanding of motor control processes...This book has a pleasant readability which is quite impressive given the theoretical and technically-involved nature of much of the subject matter... Human Motor Control is an excellent contribution to the literature in motor behavior. As such, the book deserves serious consideration by anyone interested in a comprehensive introduction to the area of motor control." --CRAIG A. WISEBERG, Department of Human Performance and Sport Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Motor Control is a complex process that involves the brain, muscles, limbs, and often external objects. It underlies motion, balance, stability, coordination, and our interaction with others and technology. This book is a comprehensive introduction to motor control, covering a complex topic in an approachable way encompassing the psychological, physiological, and computational approaches to motor control.

Human Motor Control, 2e cuts across all movement related disciplines: physical education, dance, physical therapy, robotics, etc. This second edition incorporates advances to the field, and integrates throughout the book how research harkens back to four critical questions: how do we select our actions of the many actions possible? How are these behaviors sequenced for appropriate order and timing between them? How does perception integrate with motor control? And how are perceptual-motor skills acquired?

As before, the book retains its signature organization around activity systems. These activity systems include walking, looking, reaching, drawing and writing, keyboarding, speaking and singing, and smiling. Chapters here exemplify rather than encompass all the behaviors related to them. Hence smiling discusses physical and neural control of the face used in other expressions besides smiling, as well as the origins of emotional expression, and the importance of emotion expression in social interaction. These chapters on activity systems are preceded by chapters on basics, with an introduction and information on the physiological and psychological foundations of movement. The last section discusses integration of movements, individual differences, theories of motor control, and the contributions of both genetics and technology to motor control.

Special features of the second edition:

Organization by major activity systems
New: brain imaging, social action, embodied cognition, advances in genetics and technology
Detailed treatment of motor neuroscience
Further Readings section added to each chapter

* Complete updating of material

* New chapter on Core Concepts

* Emphasis on exciting advances in the field and promising new directions

* New topics covered include brain imaging, social action, and embodied cognition

* Emphasis on friendly coverage

* Further Readings listed for each chapter