Active Inference Theory: The Effect of Sport Training on Tracking Movements Control

Abstract

A concept of active inference suggested by K.Friston (2010, 2011) is considered in motor control as an alternative to a concept of optimal control, although they both are based on a theory of internal models. In our study, we applied the concept of active inference for the interpretation of experimental data we obtained in the course of elite athletes' development. To that end, we have studied tracking movements in elite alpine skiers (n=20), who performed several special tests throughout the preparation period. At the same time, they did blood tests, which revealed time spans characterized by significant (p<0.01) shifts in dopamine levels in blood. Dopamine served as an indicator of changes in the athletes' movement control system; these changes were related to the execution of different training loads, which determined demands on the control system. We registered a decrease in prediction errors (i.e. difference between