What is feed forward in motor control?

• A. Feedback after movement
• B. Reflexive spinal reflex
• C. Neural preparation for anticipated movement
• D. Sensory gating

Answer: (C)

Predictive, feed-forward motor control involves the brain preparing and issuing motor commands before movement begins, based on an internal model of the body's dynamics and the task goals. This anticipatory plan shapes muscle activation and joint positions so the movement starts smoothly and remains stable by the time sensory feedback arrives, which is delayed. In hippotherapy, this anticipatory control helps a rider, with guidance from the therapist, align the trunk and limbs in advance of the horse’s motion to maintain balance and postural control as the horse moves. This differs from reactive feedback, which uses sensory information after movement starts to adjust ongoing actions. A spinal reflex is an immediate, automatic response that isn’t planned, and sensory gating refers to modulating sensory input during movement rather than initiating the motor command.