Sport & Human Movement Research
Motor heuristics and movement analogies for performance and health
Researchers: Professor Rich Masters and Markus Raab (Sport University of Cologne)
German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)
In this international collaboration funded by the German Research Foundation, we are seeking to integrate two influential approaches that have become established in the domain of human movement psychology, motor heuristics (Raab) and movement analogies (Masters).
While motor heuristics have their theoretical basis in simple heuristics used for decision-making and advise ‘what’ movements to choose, movement analogies have their theoretical basis in the theory of implicit motor learning and advise ‘how’ to move. Both approaches propose that ‘less-is-more’ when processing information necessary for successful motor performance.
Unified in a single theory, these distinct yet intersecting approaches have potential to improve understanding of how human complex movements are learned, selected and performed.
Exploring the impact of mental fatigue on brain plasticity during motor learning
Researchers: Dr Merel Hoskens and Professor Rich Masters
Braemar Charitable Trust
Mental fatigue is often reported following a stroke. Mental fatigue can degrade working memory functions and slow the rate at which affected movements are relearned. Post-stroke rehabilitation typically promotes explicit (conscious) control of movements, which is not ideal for relearning movements because working memory is a crucial component of conscious movement control. Our research suggests that implicit (non-conscious) forms of motor learning may be more effective for stroke rehabilitation because they reduce dependency on working memory for control of movements.
We are examining associations between mental fatigue, implicit motor learning and brain plasticity, using electroencephalography. We hypothesize that people who report mental fatigue post-stroke will demonstrate greater brain plasticity following rehabilitation that promotes implicit motor relearning compared to rehabilitation that promotes explicit motor relearning. This research will extend our understanding of best practice for post-stroke rehabilitation.
Physical Literacy, Play and Coach Development - The Re:Play Project
Researchers: Will Roberts and Dr Robert Townsend
The ‘Re:Play’ project is a research-led programme designed to support coaches in creating positive environments for children to enjoy sport, and to learn, develop and succeed through sport.
In collaboration with Sport Waikato and the University of Newcastle, Australia, the project team has been running a pilot project to understand how we might best train beginner coaches to support young people’s engagement with sport. We are examining the associations between sampling (play) and diversification (coach led instruction) to understand how young people best interact with opportunities in sport and physical activity to develop the confidence, competence and motivation to continue being active throughout their life.
A key aim of the project is to increase the quality and inclusiveness of coaching practice in a variety of settings through a three-phase project:
1. Feasibility study: Reporting barriers and facilitators for children and their whanau in accessing community-based sport and physical activity in Waikato
2. Coach education: The development of a coaching support package that supports children’s play
3. Club development: The longer-term goal of the broader project is the development of a multisport, multi-partner community club.