Strength training as a dynamical model of motor learning

ABSTRACT

This paper outlines a framework for strength training as a dynamical model of perceptual-motor learning. We show, with emphasis on fixed-point attractor dynamics, that strength training can be mapped to the general dynamical principles of motor learning that arise from the constraints on action, including the distribution of practice/training. The time scales of the respective dynamics of performance change (increment and decrement) in discrete strength training and motor learning tasks reveal superposition of exponential functions in fixed-point dynamics, but distinctive attractor and parameter dynamics in oscillatory limit cycle and more continuous tasks, together with unique timescales to process influences (including practice, learning, strength, fitness, fatigue, warm-up decrement). Increments and decrements of strength can be viewed within a dynamical model of change in motor performance that reflects the integration of practice and training processes at multiple levels of learning and skill development.

KEYWORDS:

• Time scales
• attractor dynamics
• periodisation
• fatigue
• practice
• skill

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Key findings/implications

1. Strength training and motor-skill learning are commonly viewed as disparate but related actions performed with different intentions, goals and outcomes.

2. We propose that the changes in strength training and motor-skill learning are compatible, sharing common attractor (e.g., fixed-point, limit cycle) dynamic processes that arise from the constraints on action, including the distribution of practice and training.

3. Strength and skill change over different time scales in the form of adaptation, learning, development and fatigue through practice and training.

4. The dynamical framework outlined provides a coherent theoretical and operational framework that is relevant in many movement-related contexts of physical activity and sport.

Notes

1. It is instructive to examine the everyday use of the terms practice and training in language about the movement and action domain. For example:

Typically, it is said –

I am going to tennis practice; I am going to piano practice; I am going to weight training; I am going to fitness training.

Typically, it is not said –

I am going to strength practice; I am going to piano training; I am going to tennis training; I am going to fitness practice.

2. Learning curves has long been the label for the plot of performance outcome over time and we continue to use this term here. We recognise that some prefer to use the term performance curve as an aspect of performance is the dependent variable and learning is inferred from the change(s) in performance over time. Time scale decomposition allows us to parse the influences on performance outcome over time in the contexts of both skill learning and strength training.

3. Weight training is a common type of strength training for developing the size and strength of skeletal muscles. It utilises the force of gravity in the form of weighted bars, dumbbells or weight stacks in order to oppose the force generated by muscle through concentric or eccentric contraction. In effect, weight training is another term for strength training. It can also incorporate a variety of training techniques such as callisthenics, isometrics and plyometrics (Proctor & Dutta, 1995).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.