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
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