Sample Answer

Skill acquisition phase:

• Development of specific neural pathways
• Enhancement of sensory processing
• Improved motor unit coordination
• Better integration of visual and motor systems

Movement refinement:

• More efficient muscle activation patterns
• Enhanced anticipatory ability
• Better error correction
• Reduced energy expenditure

Performance impact:

• Improved shot accuracy
• Faster reaction times
• Better movement economy
• Enhanced decision making

Limitations:

• Need for ongoing practice
• Impact of competition pressure
• Environmental influences
• Recovery requirements

Sample Answer

Power activities:

• Rapid recruitment of large motor units
• Maximal force production
• Short duration neural activation
• High threshold motor unit engagement

Endurance activities:

• Sequential recruitment of smaller motor units
• Sustained submaximal activation
• Rotation of motor unit recruitment
• Fatigue resistance emphasis

Movement outcomes:

• Different patterns of muscle activation
• Varying energy system demands
• Distinct feedback requirements
• Specific adaptation patterns

Sample Answer

Novice players:

• Greater conscious control required
• Slower processing of visual information
• Less efficient motor unit recruitment
• Limited anticipation ability

Elite players:

• Automated movement patterns
• Rapid processing of opponent movements
• Efficient muscle activation sequences
• Enhanced anticipatory responses

Neural adaptations:

• Strengthened movement pathways through practice
• More effective use of feedback
• Better coordination between visual input and motor output
• Improved timing of responses

Sample Answer

Dribbling control:

• Repetitive movement pattern using established neural pathways
• Regular feedback from proprioceptors for ball control
• Automated movement requiring minimal conscious input

Shooting control:

• More precise control of force and direction required
• Integration of visual and proprioceptive feedback
• Greater conscious control of movement
• Fine adjustment of muscle activation patterns

Sample Answer

The response involves:

• Specialised receptors detecting both the ball and rainy conditions
• Sensory pathways transmitting environmental information to CNS
• Integration of balance and positional information in cerebellum
• Motor neurons activating appropriate muscle groups for the catch with additional force needed for wet conditions

Sample Answer

Central fatigue effects:

• Reduced neural drive to muscles
• Decreased motor unit recruitment
• Impaired neurotransmitter function
• Reduced movement precision and coordination

Peripheral fatigue effects:

• Altered neuromuscular junction function
• Slower nerve conduction velocity
• Reduced sensitivity of muscle receptors
• Delayed reflex responses

Impact on performance:

• Deterioration in technique and skill execution
• Increased reaction times
• Reduced movement accuracy
• Impaired balance and coordination

Compensatory mechanisms:

• Increased conscious attention to movement
• Modified movement patterns to maintain performance
• Enhanced reliance on visual feedback
• Adjusted pacing strategies

Sample Answer

Fine motor movements:

• Require precise control of small muscle groups
• Involve high numbers of motor neurons per muscle fibre
• Utilise specific areas of the motor cortex for detailed movement control
• Need constant sensory feedback for accuracy

Gross motor movements:

• Involve large muscle groups working together
• Require coordination between multiple neural pathways
• Use fewer motor neurons per muscle fibre
• Rely on balance centres in the cerebellum

The nervous system must:

• Integrate both types of movement seamlessly
• Coordinate timing through the cerebellum
• Maintain postural control while executing movements
• Process continuous feedback to adjust movements

Sample Answer

During initial skill learning (cognitive stage):

• Extensive conscious processing occurs in the cerebral cortex
• Multiple areas of the brain are actively involved in movement planning
• Movements are often jerky and uncoordinated due to inefficient neural pathways

As learning progresses toward autonomy:

• Neural pathways become strengthened through myelination
• Movement patterns become stored in motor memory
• Less conscious attention is required as movements become automated
• More efficient recruitment of motor units occurs
• Smoother, more coordinated movements result from improved neural efficiency

Sample Answer

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for intense physical activity through the “fight or flight” response by:

• Increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles
• Dilating airways to improve oxygen intake
• Increasing glucose availability for energy

In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system promotes recovery and energy conservation by:

• Decreasing heart rate and blood pressure
• Increasing digestion and energy storage
• Reducing muscle tension

Sample Answer

• Proprioceptors in muscles and joints detect change in body position
• Information is rapidly transmitted to the cerebellum via sensory neurons
• Motor neurons activate appropriate muscles to maintain balance through postural adjustments
• This occurs through both reflex and conscious control mechanisms