{"id":5193,"date":"2026-02-07T16:08:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T16:08:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/"},"modified":"2026-02-07T16:08:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T16:08:10","slug":"actividad-fisica-y-control-motor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/","title":{"rendered":"Physical activity and motor control"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Actividad_fisica_y_control_motor_que_significan_y_como_se_relacionan_en_la_salud_diaria\" >Physical activity and motor control: what they mean and how they relate to everyday health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Actividad_fisica_y_control_motor_modalidades_de_ejercicio_que_pueden_favorecer_el_desarrollo_y_mantenimiento_a_distintas_edades\" >Physical activity and motor control: types of exercise that can support development and maintenance at different ages<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Infancia_y_adolescencia\" >Childhood and adolescence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Personas_adultas\" >Adults<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Personas_mayores\" >Older people<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Actividad_fisica_y_control_motor_que_muestra_la_evidencia_cientifica_reciente_y_cuales_son_sus_limites\" >Physical activity and motor control: what the latest scientific evidence shows, and what its limitations are<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Que_sugiere_la_evidencia_reciente\" >What does the recent evidence suggest?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Limites_y_precauciones\" >Limitations and precautions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Implicaciones_clinicas_practicas\" >Practical clinical implications<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Actividad_fisica_y_control_motor_seguridad_progresion_y_senales_de_alerta_para_una_practica_responsable\" >Physical activity and motor control: safety, progression and warning signs for responsible practice<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Seguridad\" >Security<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Progresion\" >Progression<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Senales_de_alerta\" >Warning signs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Actividad_fisica_y_control_motor_consideraciones_en_trastornos_neurologicos_envejecimiento_y_dolor_cronico\" >Physical activity and motor control: considerations in neurological disorders, ageing and chronic pain<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Trastornos_neurologicos\" >Neurological disorders<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Envejecimiento\" >Ageing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/actividad-fisica-y-control-motor\/#Dolor_cronico\" >Chronic pain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Actividad_fisica_y_control_motor_que_significan_y_como_se_relacionan_en_la_salud_diaria\"><\/span>Physical activity and motor control: what they mean and how they relate to everyday health<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <b>physical activity<\/b> is any bodily movement produced by the skeletal muscles that increases energy expenditure; it is not limited to structured exercise and includes everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying objects. The <b>motor control<\/b> is the nervous system\u2019s ability to <b>to plan<\/b>, to execute and adjust these movements using sensory signals (such as the <b>proprioception<\/b>, vision and the vestibular system) and coordinated muscular responses. These two concepts are distinct but complementary: one describes \u201chow much\u201d we move and the other \u201chow\u201d we do so.<\/p>\n<p>In everyday health, this relationship is evident in the quality and efficiency of movement. Regular physical activity is associated with adjustments to the <b>nervous system<\/b> and the musculoskeletal system, which can improve the precision and stability of everyday movements, although the effects vary from person to person. Components of the <b>motor control<\/b> Those relevant to day-to-day tasks include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Coordination<\/b> inter- and intramuscular to synchronise muscle groups.<\/li>\n<li><b>Balance<\/b> and postural control to maintain stability on changing surfaces and at varying speeds.<\/li>\n<li>Timing and rhythm to initiate, sustain and stop movements with precision.<\/li>\n<li>Modulation of force and <b>accuracy<\/b> in fine and gross motor skills (e.g. typing, lifting a bag).<\/li>\n<li><b>Motor planning<\/b> and adjustment for <b>sensory feedback<\/b> in the face of changing circumstances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The interaction between physical activity and motor control depends on the <b>intensity<\/b>, the <b>frequency<\/b> and, above all, of the <b>motor complexity<\/b> of the tasks. Gradual exposure to a variety of movements, with a focus on technique, rest, sleep and the management of the <b>fatigue<\/b> and the <b>pain<\/b>, it can promote adaptations without exceeding an individual\u2019s tolerance. In clinical contexts (such as ageing, persistent pain or neurological conditions), priority is given to individualised adjustments, safe environments and monitoring of the response in order to strike a balance between challenge and control, whilst avoiding overloads that interfere with the quality of movement.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Actividad_fisica_y_control_motor_modalidades_de_ejercicio_que_pueden_favorecer_el_desarrollo_y_mantenimiento_a_distintas_edades\"><\/span>Physical activity and motor control: types of exercise that can support development and maintenance at different ages<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Infancia_y_adolescencia\"><\/span>Childhood and adolescence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At these stages, the <b>motor control<\/b> It helps children practise a variety of fundamental skills: running, jumping, turning, throwing and catching. Motor games, skills circuits and sports with simple rules encourage the <b>coordination<\/b> and postural control. Exercises such as <b>balance<\/b> (walking in a straight line, single-leg stands) and tasks such as <b>proprioception<\/b> on stable surfaces; unstable variations require supervision. Bodyweight or resistance band exercises, low-impact plyometrics and rhythmic activities (e.g. dance) aid motor learning if they are introduced gradually and take into account differences in developmental maturity, whilst avoiding excessive strain or intense early specialisation.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Personas_adultas\"><\/span>Adults<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To maintain and refine the <b>motor control<\/b>, multi-component approaches prove useful: training in <b>force<\/b> Focusing on basic movement patterns (squats, hip hinging, pushing, pulling) with an emphasis on technique and core stability; mobility and active flexibility; and neuromotor training involving changes of direction, dynamic balance and tasks requiring dual cognitive and motor skills. Mind-body disciplines (tai chi, yoga or Pilates), swimming and cycling can complement the <b>coordination<\/b> and body awareness. The progression should be tailored to each individual\u2019s physical condition, pain or comorbidities, prioritising the quality of movement and variety in the practice.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Personas_mayores\"><\/span>Older people<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In later life, the focus is on stability, reaction time and the ability to carry out everyday activities. Training in <b>force<\/b> and from <b>power<\/b> moderate (particularly in the lower limbs and trunk), together with exercises to <b>balance<\/b> Static and dynamic exercises (tandem walking, side steps, turns, weight-shifting) and walking with variations or obstacles can contribute to functional maintenance. Activities such as tai chi, gentle dance, aquatic exercise and exercises involving controlled disturbances in safe environments are associated with improvements in postural control. Gradual progression, stable support and supervision where there is a risk of falls help to ensure safety, with the intensity adjusted to the individual\u2019s cardiovascular condition and medication where relevant.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Actividad_fisica_y_control_motor_que_muestra_la_evidencia_cientifica_reciente_y_cuales_son_sus_limites\"><\/span>Physical activity and motor control: what the latest scientific evidence shows, and what its limitations are<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Que_sugiere_la_evidencia_reciente\"><\/span>What does the recent evidence suggest?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Recent scientific evidence suggests that different forms of physical activity \u2014 aerobic, strength training and task-oriented exercise \u2014 may be associated with improvements in markers of <b>motor control<\/b> such as balance, coordination and precision of movement, in both healthy adults and certain clinical groups. Plausible mechanisms include the <b>neuroplasticity<\/b>, the optimisation of the <b>sensory-motor integration<\/b> and cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations that facilitate motor learning. The effects usually depend on the <b>task specificity<\/b>, the <b>dosage<\/b> (frequency, intensity, volume) and the individual context, and tend to be of moderate and variable magnitude.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Limites_y_precauciones\"><\/span>Limitations and precautions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The available literature contains uncertainties which mean that the findings must be interpreted with caution:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Heterogeneity<\/b> protocols and results; lack of standardisation and comparability between studies.<\/li>\n<li>Follow-up periods are generally short; the long-term sustainability of the changes is not well established.<\/li>\n<li>List <b>dose\u2013response<\/b> unclear and with wide inter-individual differences.<\/li>\n<li>The <b>functional transfer<\/b> This is not always consistently demonstrated in activities of daily living.<\/li>\n<li>Risk of bias (small sample sizes, publication bias) and of confounding factors such as motivation, sleep or medication.<\/li>\n<li>The <b>security<\/b> and adverse events are reported inconsistently; the generalisability to extreme ages and multimorbidity is limited.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Implicaciones_clinicas_practicas\"><\/span>Practical clinical implications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In clinical practice, it is advisable to carry out screening and an initial functional assessment, to tailor the programme to individual goals and comorbidities, and to prioritise task-specific training with gradual progression and monitoring of fatigue, pain and performance. It may be sensible to combine aerobic and strength training components where indicated, to incorporate rest and variability, and to use objective measures to monitor response. In neurological or complex conditions, interdisciplinary coordination provides reassurance; physical activity is not a substitute for prescribed treatments and its potential benefits are not universal.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Actividad_fisica_y_control_motor_seguridad_progresion_y_senales_de_alerta_para_una_practica_responsable\"><\/span>Physical activity and motor control: safety, progression and warning signs for responsible practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seguridad\"><\/span>Security<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <b>motor control<\/b> It involves coordinating muscle activation and sensory feedback to perform efficient movements. Safety is based on sound technique, <b>alignment<\/b> and controlled ranges of motion, with a <b>heating<\/b> specific and risk-free environment. It is prudent to take into account the patient\u2019s medical history and previous pain, and to adjust the <b>upload<\/b> (volume, intensity and complexity) at the current level, whilst avoiding excessive compensation, sharp, stabbing pain or joint locking. In older people, during pregnancy, or in cases of previous injuries or cardiovascular, metabolic or neurological conditions, more conservative progression and close monitoring of the response to exercise are recommended.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Progresion\"><\/span>Progression<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A responsible training progression prioritises small, controlled increases, changing one variable at a time (volume, intensity or complexity) and respecting the <b>recovery<\/b> between similar stimuli. Variability (new patterns or surfaces) is introduced once the technique has been mastered. To monitor performance, the following can be used: the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), the \u201ctalk test\u201d, movement quality (loss of rhythm, tremors, lack of coordination) and the relative cardiovascular response. If technique repeatedly deteriorates before the target is reached, it is advisable to reduce the load or simplify the task.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Senales_de_alerta\"><\/span>Warning signs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Pain<\/b> sharp, stabbing or increasing pain that does not subside with rest; unusual night-time pain following the session.<\/li>\n<li><b>Instability<\/b>, sudden loss of strength or <b>numbness\/paraesthesia<\/b>.<\/li>\n<li><b>Dizziness<\/b>, blurred vision, nausea, severe headache or disorientation.<\/li>\n<li><b>Disproportionate shortness of breath<\/b>, chest tightness, irregular heartbeats or fainting.<\/li>\n<li><b>Inflammation<\/b> visible signs, a local rise in temperature, painful clicking or joint locking.<\/li>\n<li><b>Fatigue<\/b> a pronounced symptom lasting more than 24\u201348 hours or a sustained decline in performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These signs may indicate an inadequate response to the workload or complications, and warrant stopping the session, reviewing the plan and, depending on the clinical context, considering professional assessment.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Actividad_fisica_y_control_motor_consideraciones_en_trastornos_neurologicos_envejecimiento_y_dolor_cronico\"><\/span>Physical activity and motor control: considerations in neurological disorders, ageing and chronic pain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trastornos_neurologicos\"><\/span>Neurological disorders<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Physical activity aimed at <b>motor control<\/b> In neurological disorders, treatment must be tailored to the specific phenotype of the condition (selective weakness, spasticity, ataxia, bradykinesia, sensory disturbances). Priority is given to the <b>security<\/b> (fall prevention, supervision and adaptation of the environment), the specific practice of functional tasks and the judicious use of external cues or rhythms where these facilitate performance. The <b>dosage<\/b> It is adjusted to prevent peaks in central fatigue or exacerbations of muscle tone; short blocks, scheduled breaks and gradual increases in complexity (from single to dual tasks) are useful, but only when postural stability permits. Monitoring of the autonomic response, pain and motor performance between sessions guides ongoing adjustments.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Envejecimiento\"><\/span>Ageing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As we get older, changes in strength, <b>power<\/b>, reaction time and proprioception influence postural control and gait. A multi-component approach incorporating balance, strength of major muscle groups, controlled-speed exercises and submaximal aerobic capacity may help to maintain function. It is recommended that a <b>progression<\/b> A conservative approach, taking into account comorbidities, polypharmacy and the risk of orthostatic hypotension, with an emphasis on technique, a steady pace and sufficient recovery periods. Exposure to challenging tasks (turning, changes in surface, dual-tasking) is introduced when it is safe to do so, using strategies to reduce the risk of falls.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dolor_cronico\"><\/span>Chronic pain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In situations involving pain sensitivity, motor control may be impaired by co-contraction, hypervigilance or fear of movement. Physical activity is approached with <b>gradual exposure<\/b> and pacing, aiming for pattern variability and load tolerance without peaks that perpetuate sensitisation. The <b>self-regulation of effort<\/b> (for example, using perceived exertion scales), symptom monitoring and adjusting the range of motion help to gauge the daily workload. Factors such as sleep, stress and expectations influence the response to exercise; neutral communication and avoiding alarmist messages promote prudent adherence.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Actividad f\u00edsica y control motor: qu\u00e9 significan y c\u00f3mo se relacionan en la salud diaria La actividad f\u00edsica es cualquier movimiento corporal producido por los m\u00fasculos esquel\u00e9ticos que aumenta el gasto energ\u00e9tico; no se limita al ejercicio estructurado e incluye tareas cotidianas como caminar, subir escaleras o cargar objetos. El control motor es la capacidad [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5196,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5193","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actividad-fisica"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5193","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5193"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5193\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5193"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5193"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5193"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}