Humans adapt the initial posture in learning a whole-body kicking movement

What strategies are used in learning to control new movements? The present investigation sought to understand this process by analyzing the changes in whole-body kinematics that occurred when subjects attempted to learn an un usual kicking movement. Five novices were taught a capoeira kick that invol ved both the upper and lower body for balance and co-ordination. Subjects p erformed two sets of 60 consecutive kicks, 24 h apart. Gradual changes in t he body movement and the initial posture were found. Four subjects reduced the dynamic counter-twist associated with kick initiation. These subjects a lso adopted a more forward initial body lean. This gradual change in initia l posture appeared to obviate the early counter-twist and to facilitate bot h the equilibrium and the goal directed components of the kick. (C) 2001 El sevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.