I apologize for the length of time between posts. We have been discussing the concept of rate limiters recently in motor development. A rate limiter is an individual constraint, or system, that holds back of slows the emergence of a motor skill. One example would be a five year old trying to shoot a basketball on a ten foot goal. He or she will lack the muscular strength to shoot the ball at a goal this high. Therefore, the muscular system would be the rate limiter. We had a really good discussion in class about how a single rate limiter of one system can affect numerous systems. As we age, certain parts of our body begin to break down. A common problem is arthritis. As people develop arthritis, which affects the joints, they tend to decrease their amount of physical activity. Well, a lack of physical activity leads to a loss of bone mass, muscle mass, degeneration of the nervous system, and many other health problems. So, what starts off as one problem eventually leads to the development of several problems. It is important to determine what rate limiter may be holding a person back and attempt to correct it before more problems arise.
