Coordination, particularly in the context of movement and control, happens through a complex system operating at multiple levels.
Coordination occurs at many levels of the motor control hierarchy, involving the synchronized action of different parts of the body's effectors.
Understanding Coordination
Based on the provided information, coordination is not a single process but rather a distributed one. It is essential for executing movements effectively and achieving desired outcomes.
Levels of Coordination
Coordination is observed and managed across several distinct levels within the body's motor control system. This hierarchical structure ensures that complex movements are broken down and controlled efficiently.
According to the reference, coordination occurs at these key levels:
- Between individual muscles: Ensuring muscles work together or in opposition appropriately (e.g., agonists and antagonists).
- Between joints: Coordinating the movement and stability of multiple joints simultaneously (e.g., elbow and wrist movement during reaching).
- Between limbs: Synchronizing the actions of different limbs (e.g., walking requires coordination between legs and arms).
These levels represent how the nervous system organizes and manages the many degrees of freedom in the musculoskeletal system to produce coherent movement.
Purpose of Coordination
Movements are not random; they are made to achieve specific goals. Therefore, coordination is driven by the necessity to control the body and interact with the environment effectively.
The primary purpose of coordination is:
- To achieve goals: Whether it's picking up an object, walking, or playing a sport, coordinated movements are goal-directed.
- To control task-relevant states: Effectors (muscles, joints, limbs) are coordinated to control the relevant conditions of the body (e.g., balance, posture) and the environment (e.g., manipulating an object) necessary for the task. This control involves managing what the reference calls "the physical plant" – essentially the body's physical capabilities and interaction with the world.
This means the nervous system constantly monitors the current state of the body and the environment and adjusts the activity of muscles, joints, and limbs to move towards the desired goal state.
| Level of Coordination | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles | Working together or opposing each other | Biceps contracting while triceps relax |
| Joints | Moving multiple joints in sync | Coordinating shoulder, elbow, and wrist |
| Limbs | Coordinating actions of different body parts | Synchronizing arm and leg swing while walking |
In essence, coordination is the process by which the nervous system orchestrates the activity of the musculoskeletal system across multiple levels to execute goal-directed movements and maintain control over the body and its interaction with the environment.
